Two individuals have been apprehended after a reported abduction outside the popular New York event venue, The Brooklyn Mirage.
Based on the police report acquired by The Hour, Dr. Michael Bautista, a 32-year-old physician, claimed that following his exit from the venue in the early hours of July 22nd, he was abducted and compelled to make multiple purchases, which included spending at Foot Locker, a barber shop, and a strip joint. Additionally, he was coerced to withdraw nearly $1,000 from various ATMs.
The episode concluded around 4 AM on July 23rd when Dr. Bautista convinced his kidnappers to drop him at Norwalk Hospital, where he is employed. Upon reaching, he promptly notified security, leading to the arrest of the two suspects on site. The accused, Anthony E. Benjamin, faces second-degree kidnapping charges, while Steve Daley is charged with conspiracy to commit the same. Their court hearing is set for September 19th in Stamford, New York.
This incident adds to the growing concerns about The Brooklyn Mirage. On June 16th, Karl Clemente was discovered dead in Newtown Creek, near the event spot. A few weeks later, another tragic event occurred when John Castic, 27, was found deceased in an identical location. Investigations regarding these deaths are ongoing.
Although no official cause of death has been declared, Castic’s father informed The New York Post that his son had drowned. There seems to be no direct correlation between the three disturbing episodes.
Upon contact, the New York Police Department confirmed Clemente’s and Castic’s unfortunate discoveries in water. Meanwhile, The Brooklyn Mirage expressed their condolences to the bereaved families via an Instagram Stories post on August 4th, encouraging community unity and confirming their ongoing cooperation with the investigation.
The Brooklyn Mirage, which initiated its operations in July 2017, is a part of the Avant Gardner complex, boasting a 5,000-person capacity. It has hosted several renowned electronic artists, including Bicep, MK, and Keinemusik.
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