Vegas Cops: 6-Year-Old Kidnapped During Home Invasion

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Clemens Tinnemeyer is a person of interest in the kidnapping of Cole Puffinburger

Las Vegas Metro cops say 6-year-old Cole Puffinburger who was kidnapped from his home around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 following a home invasion.

Police confirmed that Cole's grandfather, Clemens F. Tinnemeyer is formally a person of interest in this case, and money may have been the primary target for the kidnapping. Police say that other members of Cole's family, and their friends could be involved as well, and several search warrants have been issued to get to the bottom of the drug investigation.

Police say this case involves millions of dollars in profits from a major drug trafficking ring, dealing primarily in Methamphetamines.

Cops also confirm that they have developed several other persons of interest, but they are not releasing their identites at this time.  One person they are still looking for, and need the publics help finding is Jesus Gastelum.

Police: Meth Ring Suspected In Kidnapping

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Clemens Tinnemeyer, 51, has not been heard from since August 22, 2008

Cops tell AMW that definitely two, and possibly three, Hispanic males, posing as police officers and carrying handguns, entered a private residence near Hollywood and Lake Mead Boulevards and demanded money from the boy's grandfather.

However, investigators say the grandfather has not lived at that house since May 2007, and cops also say that Cole's mom had not spoken to the grandfather in at least a month.  Police Tinnemeyer's family filed a missing person report for him recently, and that he is the owner/driver of a sightseeing motorhome service that left Las Vegas for a trip on May 21, 2008.

Police say this kidnapping is in connection with a major "drug nexus," and they said that Cole was in serious danger during his captivity. Investigators do believe this is not a random attack, but that it was brainstormed, planned, and executed in exacting detail.

When the family didn't produce the money, and didn't know where the grandfather was, cops say the suspects then tied up the young boy's mother and her male friend with zip ties before ransacking the house.  The mother told cops that she was able to see the faces of the two suspects.

When the suspects didn't find money, cops say they kidnapped Cole at gunpoint and fled the house.

Cops: Victims Saw Kidnappers' Faces

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Clemens Tinnemeyer runs a sightseeing service from this motorhome

Detectives say Cole is in extreme danger, and several dozen detectives are currently on the manhunt for the suspects and the young boy.

Family and witnesses were unable to provide cops with a description of the getaway vehicle. Cops say when Cole's real father, who is divorced from Cole's mom, heard of the kidnapping, he rushed to the home, and was extremely emotional about the situation.

Police say the victims saw at least two of the alleged three suspects, and cops tell us that one of the Hispanic men is in his mid-30's, approx. 5'7", about 150 pounds, dark complexion, slicks back his hair, and speaks with an accent. 

Cops also say the other suspect is 5'10" with a thin build, has black hair, and the alleged suspect also speaks with an accent.

Oct 18, 2008
Cole Puffinburger Found Safe In Vegas