Man Kidnapped, Held In Suitcase

A lanky, 6-foot man was kidnapped and held for ransom in a suitcase for four days before he talked his captors into letting him out, police said Wednesday.

Jason Stanley, 21, of Gravette, said he was abducted by a woman he knew and two men and hauled through Missouri, Oklahoma and Texas in a soft-sided, zippered suitcase.

Police said he was bruised and sore from the ordeal but was otherwise OK. The alleged kidnappers were arrested.

The kidnappers demanded $200,000 or 50 pounds of marijuana from Stanley’s stepfather. They said if their demands were not met, Stanley would be returned in pieces.

On Sunday, after four days in the suitcase, Stanley convinced the three he would help them commit crimes if they would only unpack him.

After being let go, Stanley immediately notified police, authorities said.