Las Cruces man arrested, accused of kidnapping Uber driver with a knife

MESQUITE, N.M. (KFOX14/CBS4) — Authorities arrested a 44-year-old Las Cruces man accused of kidnapping an Uber driver at knifepoint.

According to police documents, William Hutson kidnapped and attempted to carjack Uber driver Makayla Downey early Wednesday by holding a knife to her throat.

Downey told police she first drove Hutson to a Walgreens at approximately 3:00 a.m.

An hour later, the Uber app directed Downey to pick up another client and it turned out to be Hutson again, according to police documents.

Hutson offered her $200 to drive him to the El Paso Airport, Downey told police.

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As Downey was driving south on I-10, Hutson allegedly wrapped his hands around her neck and told her to give up her cell phone.

According to police documents, Hutson took Downey's phone and threw it out the window.

At this point, Downey told police she felt a cold sharp object pinch her neck.

Hutson allegedly told Downey to exit I-10 on Mesquite and directed her to drive toward a dairy farm.

Downey told police she pleaded and begged against Hutson and was in "extreme fear."

Hutson then allegedly climbed out of the backseat, told Downey to get out of the car, took her backpack and got behind the wheel.

Hutson then allegedly asked Downey for the keys to the car but she refused.

Downey told police Hutson asked again and again she refused.

Hutson allegedly got out of the car and walked toward a nearby field.

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According to police documents, Downey flagged someone down from the road, called 911 and pointed out Hutson who was still nearby in the field.

Law enforcement found Downey’s backpack in the field where Hutson was.

Hutson was booked into the Dona Ana County Detention Center.

Hutson is being charged with robbery, kidnapping, burglary of a car and tampering with evidence.

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