In a shocking turn of events, a Brownsville man has been arrested following the kidnapping of his 77-year-old wife, Martine. Diane Novella is now facing several charges, including aggravated kidnapping, after a harrowing ordeal that took place on Saturday.
Brownsville PD was alerted to the situation when they received a call from the victim, Bala’s wife, who reported that Novella had kidnapped her at gunpoint. Police later found the victim at a strip store, where she had managed to escape from her 37-year-old abductor. According to reports, Novella drove her to an area near Dana Avenue with the intent to harm her.
The situation escalated later that day when the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Brownsville PD engaged in a chase with Novella, who was driving recklessly in a white Chrysler 300. The pursuit ended when Novella crashed and sought refuge in a shed at a nearby property. He was detained and arraigned on Sunday, receiving a bond set at $212,000.
The community is in shock over the incident, and authorities are urging anyone with further information to come forward. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and well-being of the victim and bringing justice to the perpetrator.
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