Fort Worth police have arrested a suspect they believe is connected to multiple attempted kidnappings in recent weeks, including the attack on a 63-year-old woman outside a Dollar Tree store last week.
Investigators say the suspect is linked to at least two attempted kidnappings that occurred on consecutive days near Fort Worth’s Cultural District and may have been involved in an earlier incident this month.
Suspect Arrested After Dollar Tree Attack
According to the Fort Worth Police Department, officers arrested the suspect following an attempted kidnapping on July 30 at a Dollar Tree located at 367 Carroll St.
The case is being investigated by the department’s Major Case Unit. The suspect is being held at the Tarrant County Jail while the investigation continues.
Authorities initially did not identify the suspect or announce formal charges, citing the active investigation. However, subsequent court records identified the suspect as Johntay Burgess, who has been charged with attempted kidnapping as well as additional charges that include assaulting an officer and indecent exposure.
Investigators Link Multiple Incidents
Police believe the same suspect attempted to kidnap another person outside Salsa Limón, located at 925 University Drive, on July 29 — just one day before the Dollar Tree incident.
Investigators also said the suspect had previously been arrested on July 10 in connection with a similar offense.
Court documents indicate a Tarrant County grand jury has indicted Burgess in connection with at least one of the alleged kidnapping attempts.
Victim’s Family Describes Attack
The July 30 victim, 63-year-old Eloise Montanez, told family members she was attacked after finishing work and locking up the Dollar Tree store.
According to her daughter, Ana Cervantes, Montanez turned around when someone approached from behind.
“He covered her face, her mouth, and wrapped his arm around her legs and tried to carry her,” Cervantes said while translating her mother’s account, NBC 5 DFW reported.
The attack was interrupted when Montanez’s husband arrived to pick her up from work and saw the struggle unfolding. He rushed to help, causing the suspect to flee before police later arrested him.
Cervantes said her mother was shaken by the ordeal but grateful to have survived.
“She was scared. She didn’t know what was going on,” Cervantes said.
She also questioned how many similar incidents would have to occur before the suspect was stopped.
Investigation Remains Active
Fort Worth police have not said whether they believe there are additional victims or if more charges could be filed. The department said the investigation remains active, and authorities have not released further details.
Anyone with information related to the attempted kidnappings is encouraged to contact the Fort Worth Police Department.
Provided by Dallas Express
