Man Facing 12 Years in Prison After Armed Kidnapping

In Texas, a harrowing odyssey ends behind bars as a man faces over a decade in prison for a brazen kidnapping.

Quick Takes

Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez was sentenced to 12 years for a kidnapping and carjacking.
The 1,300-mile journey forced an innocent rideshare driver from Texas to Florida at gunpoint.
Plans to abduct a social media influencer in Miami thwarted by law enforcement.
This case was a part of Project Safe Neighborhoods.

The Startling Journey

Miguel Alejandro Pastran Hernandez, at 24, initiated his criminal acts on August 16 in Arlington, Texas. He commandeered a rideshare driver at gunpoint. Using a mobile app to avoid detection, he coerced the driver to embark on a 1,300-mile journey to Florida. Upon arrival, law enforcement intervened before he could attempt to kidnap a social media influencer. His plan was to demand a $3 million ransom, though his scheme came to an abrupt end in Hollywood, Florida.

Pastran Hernandez discovered and loaded an unloaded firearm belonging to the driver to maintain control throughout the journey. Upon reaching Miami Beach, he attempted to purchase supplies for his impending kidnapping plan. Yet, as authorities closed in, he fled but was later captured, marking the end of his terror spree.

Man Sentenced to 12 Years in Prison for Armed Kidnapping of Ride Share Driver
🔗https://t.co/w0QKb8YcRx @FBIMiamiFL investigated the case.#ProjectSafeNeighborhoods pic.twitter.com/Bz9aq9F00r

— US Attorney SDFL (@USAO_SDFL) February 20, 2025

Law’s Long Arm

Pastran Hernandez faced numerous charges, leading to a 12-year prison sentence. His punishment includes 60 months for kidnapping and carjacking, along with a mandatory 84-month term for gun-related violence, served consecutively. Prosecutors emphasized the gravity of transporting the victim across states, underscoring the sentence’s intent to deter such violent exploits in the future.

Pastran Hernandez’s guilty plea to the charges of kidnapping and carjacking underscored his acknowledgment of the operation’s severity. Throughout his transport, he attempted to distance suspicion by instructing the driver to lie to loved ones about being on a work trip. His attempt to manipulate a dangerous scenario highlights the desperation and complexity of such criminal plans.

Efforts to Combat Crime

This case was notably part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, emphasizing gun violence and violent crime reduction. Investigated primarily by the FBI in Miami, it involved tactical responses to unforeseen threats posed by armed kidnappings. Meanwhile, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Hannah led the prosecution, illustrating effective law enforcement coordination across state lines to bring offenders to justice.

With court documents available for public access, such cases encourage accountability and transparency. As society faces the challenges of modern crime and technology, concerted efforts by law and justice systems continue to prosecute those who disrupt the peace and safety of ordinary citizens.