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Man Battered And Held Against His Will In Las Cruces

By KRWG News

Las Cruces – Las Cruces Police have arrested a suspect who battered a man and confined the victim to his own apartment for two days.

William Anthony Karels, 24, is charged with one count each of kidnapping, aggravated battery causing great bodily harm and contempt of court.

Shortly after 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 16, an individual called police to report their suspicion that the man was being physically abused and held against his will at 800 E. Foster Rd. Officers responded and knocked on the door for quite some time. Officers were finally met by the 48-year-old victim who came to the door in noticeable pain.

Police found Karels and his 29-year-old girlfriend, Constance "Connie" M. Young, in a back bedroom of the apartment.

LCPD detectives learned that on Monday, Feb. 14, Karels and Young were visiting with the victim. At some point during the day, the couple wore out their welcome and the victim asked that they leave his apartment.

Karels and Young refused to leave and an argument escalated into Karels punching the victim multiple times. The victim received at least seven broken ribs and an injury to his ear as a result of the battery. Unable to leave or seek help the victim was at the mercy of Karels who, along with Young, remained in the victim's apartment until Wednesday.

The victim, whose injuries do not appear to be life-threatening, was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Karels was arrested and subsequently transported to the Dona Ana County Detention Center with bond set at $35,000. Young was arrested on an outstanding warrant and was being held on a bond of $803. LCPD is continuing to investigate this incident.