Five people have been arrested in Austin, Texas, after a woman was found handcuffed outside a home where she claimed she had been held against her will for several months, according to authorities.
Police responded to a residence around 9 a.m. on Oct. 30 following a welfare check call. The caller reported that a woman appeared to be restrained and was crying for help, the Austin Police Department said in a press release.
When officers arrived, they discovered the woman “handcuffed to a piece of exercise equipment.” Police said she showed clear signs of physical distress and had visible injuries consistent with prolonged restraint.
According to an arrest affidavit obtained by local outlet KVUE, investigators believe the woman had been repeatedly shot with a BB gun. Officers noted several small scars and a pellet injury to her eye.
The woman told police she “had been held at the residence for several months and was not allowed to leave,” the release stated.
Officers were reportedly “forced to cut through heavy metal links” to free her. She was immediately taken to a hospital for evaluation and medical treatment.
Five residents of the home were arrested shortly after. Authorities allege the group had restrained and assaulted the woman over a period of time.
Police also confirmed that three children found in the house were safely removed and placed in the care of Child Protective Services.
The suspects — Michelle Garcia, 51; Crystal Garcia, 21; Juan Pablo Castro, 30; Mache Carney, 32; and Maynard Lefevers, 21 — are each facing charges of aggravated kidnapping, aggravated assault, injury to an elderly or disabled person, and unlawful restraint.
It remains unclear whether any of the defendants have entered pleas or obtained legal representation.
