Deming, NM – A 20-year-old man was arrested Friday after being found with a missing Texas teenage girl near Deming, New Mexico, authorities said. Kyle Steven Eckmann faces multiple charges, including first-degree kidnapping, aggravated assault on a peace officer, and child abuse, according to the New Mexico State Police (NMSP).
Suspect Located After License Plate Alert
Shortly after 7:45 p.m. on August 22, officers were alerted by license plate readers to a Volkswagen sedan traveling westbound on Interstate 10, connected to the disappearance of a 15-year-old girl from Texas NMSP.
The vehicle was located near milepost 88 outside of Deming. When officers activated emergency lights and sirens, the driver crossed the center median and eastbound lanes before crashing into a water-filled ditch.
Arrest and Threats to Officers
Upon approaching the vehicle, officers found Eckmann and the girl standing outside. Eckmann reportedly threatened officers, claiming he was armed and motioning toward his waistband. Authorities later confirmed he was unarmed and took him into custody without incident.
While being escorted to a patrol car, Eckmann allegedly ordered the girl not to speak with police.
Charges and Victim Recovery
Eckmann was booked into Luna County Jail on multiple charges:
- Kidnapping in the first degree
- Aggravated assault upon a peace officer with a deadly weapon
- Aggravated fleeing of a law enforcement officer
- Child abuse
- Intimidation of a witness
The girl was confirmed to be the missing 15-year-old from Texas and was placed in the care of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department, who immediately notified her parents.
Have you seen suspicious activity in your area or have tips about missing persons? Share information in the comments to help keep communities safe.
