Grandfather the Key in Search For Cole

LAS VEGAS (AP) — Investigators were looking for the grandfather of a kidnapped 6-year-old boy Friday, saying they believe the abduction may be linked to the man's drug dealings with Mexican nationals. The boy, Cole Puffinburger, was abducted from a Las Vegas home Wednesday morning by three men posing as police officers. Police said they believe the men were Mexican drug dealers and that the kidnapping at gunpoint was a "message" to his grandfather, Clemens Fred Tinnemeyer.

"Tinnemeyer has stolen a large sum of money, all proceeds from illegal drug activity," Las Vegas police Capt. Vincent Cannito said. (Did he think that a drug ring would just let him walk away with their millions. I'm surprised that it took them so long to go looking for the grandfather. If somebody stole millions from me I would go looking for them too. Wouldn't kidnap a kid, but I know how hard they are to take care of.)

Police believe methamphetamine was involved, said Officer Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas police spokesman.

Tinnemeyer, 51, may have stolen millions of dollars from the Mexican nationals, said Officer Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas police spokesman. Johnson declined to say what role Tinnemeyer played in the drug operation or whether the kidnappers were seeking a ransom. (I hope that they are just holding Cole for ransom, the other option is much too horrible to consider.)

Tinnemeyer was last seen in May and reported missing Sept. 11, said Johnson. (Maybe someone else that he double crossed has Tinnemeyer. He could be dead, but at least now the police will search for him harder. He is the key to finding the boy. Or maybe the kidnappers have them both, and are using Cole as leverage. Maybe they are trying to make the grandfather talk.)

A nationwide Amber Alert remained in effect after two men tied up Cole's mother and her boyfriend at their house Wednesday and abducted Cole. Cannito said a third man was believed to be involved.

He said police had "several" other persons of interest in the case, but no suspects in the abduction. (What good are persons of interest, especially if their main person of interest is a missing grandfather. I bet Cole's mother want them to have suspects so they can get her baby back.

Meanwhile, authorities were looking for Tinnemeyer and his white Dodge pickup with Mississippi license plates, Cannito said.

Authorities also were investigating whether other family members had ties to the drug operation, Johnson said.

"Money is a huge factor, obviously. Drugs are a huge factor," Johnson said. "The only innocent person involved in this entire operation is the boy."

The FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating.
Also of Interest:
Cole Puffinburger Victim Of Drug Trade
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