3 Pasco Kidnapping Suspects Remain on the Loose

A friend who answered a Sunday morning call for help found himself the target of a brutal attack in Hudson after Pasco County deputies say that call was meant to lure him in for what would become a multi-hour ordeal that spanned two locations.

The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. when the man, who is not being identified for his safety, received a call that indicated a woman who knew was in danger. When the man arrived at the location he was instructed to visit, “several subjects to include Joshua Petty, 29, Anthony Batta, 26, and Joseph Alexander, 26, held the victim against his will and battered him with blunt objects, which caused serious injury to the victim’s face,” the sheriff’s office wrote on its Facebook page. “They then bound the victim’s hands and placed tape over his mouth so he could not escape.”

Deputies say a fourth man, Brian Edelman, 30, assisted in holding the victim.

Bound, the man was taken to a second location in New Port Richey where he was again beaten, the sheriff’s office said.

After some time, the man was able to escape and notify law enforcement.

Deputies were able to locate Petty on Monday and brought him into custody on charges of aggravated battery and kidnapping.

A search for Batta and Alexander, who are wanted for aggravated battery, kidnapping, and conspiracy to kidnap charges, continues. Edelman is still wanted on conspiracy to kidnap charges, as well.

Anyone who knows the whereabouts of Batta, Alexander or Edleman is asked to contact 911 immediately. Anonymous tips may also be submitted by calling 1-800-706-2488 or visiting https://www.tipsubmit.com/WebTips.aspx?AgencyID=615.

Petty remained in the Land O’ Lakes Jail Tuesday in lieu of more than $550,000 bond.

All photos courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office: Joseph Alexander, Antony Batta, Brian Edleman and Joshua Petty. The photos of guns were taken during Joshua Petty’s Monday arrest.

See Also:

• ‘Shawshank’ Fugitive Leaving Florida for Ohio
• Search Continues for Missing Pasco Teen

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