A man who was arrested at Union Station with toys and zip ties over the weekend allegedly planned to travel to Florida to kidnap a child, authorities say.
Devontay Shields was taken into custody at the station on Saturday November 16, on suspicion of attempted kidnapping, according to an affidavit filed Monday federal court.
The investigation into Shields began November 11, when a law enforcement source reached out to special agents to notify them that Shields wanted to meet with a cooperating defendant to get money to travel to Florida to kidnap a child for ransom, according to the document.
Over the next few days Shields bought toys, zip ties, a BB gun and two one-way Amtrak tickets to Miami, the document states. He also rented a car and found a hotel room for his visit.
Shields was arrested while trying to board the train.
