Jackson Rodriguez (foto: Official TW/IG/FB account)
Ecuadorian police rescued Jackson Rodriguez’s wife and child after they were kidnapped by armed men demanding a ransom in a terrifying home invasion.
Jackson Rodriguez, a 26-year-old footballer for Emelec, endured a horrifying ordeal after masked gunmen kidnapped his wife and five-year-old son early Wednesday morning.
The incident occurred in the Mucho Lote 2 neighborhood of Guayaquil, Ecuador, when armed individuals broke into the player’s home at around 3 a.m. Reports suggest Rodriguez was so terrified he hid under his bed while the kidnappers ransacked the property, stealing jewelry and money before abducting his family.
Following a swift operation by armed police, Rodriguez’s wife and son were rescued from a derelict building in El Fortin. Dramatic footage shared on social media captured the moment police freed the victims and escorted them to safety.
The Ecuadorian police later confirmed the successful rescue, stating: “Following the effective investigative and operational work of the Ecuadorian Police, we released Andrexy O. and his son, relatives of Jackson Rodríguez. They were kidnapped in Mucho Lote, and their perpetrators were demanding a large sum of money for their release.”
Authorities have placed Rodriguez under protective watch, though it was reported that he had received no prior threats before the attack. Investigations into the kidnapping are ongoing.
Rodriguez, a full-back, has made nine appearances this season for Emelec, who currently sit 11th in Ecuador’s LigaPro.
Sadly, this is not an isolated incident in Ecuadorian football. In December, Pedro Perlaza of Quito was kidnapped but later found alive. Chelsea FC has also been proactive, providing security support for young star Kendry Paez and midfielder Moises Caicedo and their families amid growing safety concerns in Ecuador.