DES MOINES – Iowa law enforcement detectives today made an arrest in connection with a violent, domestic violence-related kidnapping investigation.
The investigation began shortly before 9:00 AM this morning when officers were called to a residence near SE 10th Street and Scott Street in Des Moines. The adult female victim reported being assaulted and held against her will since late Friday night. She reported that she was able to call for help after being left alone this morning when the alleged attacker, her boyfriend 44-year-old Miguel Mercado Quintero (pictured at top), went to work.
The victim reported that she had been hit and kicked repeatedly, and had her hands bound with electrical tape and rope. She also reported that Mercado Quintero had repeatedly threatened to kill her, fired a gunshot into the floor near the bed she was laying on, and later made her write “goodbye” letters to her children.
Multiple items of evidence, including a handgun, were recovered at the scene.
The victim suffered multiple injuries during this incident, including swollen black eyes, and bruising to multiple other areas of her body. She is recovering at this time.
Mercado Quintero was located by officers with the Urbandale Police Department at a location in their city.
Following consultation with the Polk County Attorney’s Office, detectives have charged Mercado with the following offenses:
• Kidnapping – 1st Degree (Class A felony)
• Domestic Abuse Assault With A Weapon (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
• Felon In Possession Of A Firearm (Class D felony)
Mercado Quintero is currently being held at the Polk County Jail.