Police: Mom beaten, kidnapped by ex-boyfriend

HOUSTON Authorities say Samuel DeLeon, 21, is a violent man with a violent past. DeLeon is accused of kidnapping and beating his ex-girlfriend Elizabeth Salazar, 19. His mother is accused of helping DeLeon carry out the crime. Authorities say DeLeon has a history of violence against Salazar and he was released from jail earlier this month.

"We believe she was in great danger," said Chief Herbert Gilbert of the South Houston Police Department.

Police say DeLeon's mother, Dora Perez, 41, contacted Salazar to see Salazar's two children by DeLeon. When Salazar arrived at a grocery store parking lot in south Houston to see Perez, DeLeon allegedly jumped out of his mother's SUV and began beating Salazar, forcing her into the SUV. The mother then drove off in the SUV while DeLeon continued to assault Salazar in the backseat.

A companion of Salazar's witnessed the crime and called police.

The chief said DeLeon took Salazar to an apartment on Cherrybrook in Pasadena and prevented her from answering when police knocked on the door.

"He grabbed her, held onto her mouth, put his hand over her mouth and wouldn't allow her to make any noise. Subsequently, the officers left," said Chief Gilbert.

After being held captive in the apartment on Cherrybrook for several hours, authorities say Salazar escaped when DeLeon went to the bathroom. Salazar ran on foot less than a mile to a nearby apartment on Burke in Pasadena where she called police.

"She was very brave in taking that opportunity. He could have come out of that restroom and made it worse for her, but she took that opportunity and we commend her for escaping from him," said Chief Gilbert.

Perez, the mother, was later found by authorities and is in jail facing charges of aggravated kidnapping. Police are still looking for DeLeon.

"The suspect has a violent past according to our records and he has shown violence today," said Chief H. Gilbert of the South Houston Police Department. "Our records indicate family violence and assault. Apparently he's been sent to jail for those offenses. He now has a protective order to stay away from the victim."

Authorities say DeLeon faces charges of aggravated kidnapping and violation of a protective order by using his mother to contact Salazar.

If you have any information on this case or the whereabouts of Samuel DeLeon, you are urged to call the South Houston Police Department at 713-944-1916.