Royal Castle franchise holder kidnapped

WAYNE PIERRE, franchise holder for the Arouca branch of Royal Castle, was kidnapped by four gunmen on Sunday night and a $5 million ransom demanded for his return. A male caller telephoned the Royal Castle branch around 9 am yesterday and asked to speak to the manager or any senior employee. The caller then demanded the ransom for Pierre’s safe return. Anti-Kidnapping Squad officers visited the scene on Sunday and interviewed several persons. The abduction took place around 10 pm on Sunday. Pierre, 41, was walking towards his car, PBH 7657, a white Toyota station wagon, when he was confronted by four armed men. The kidnappers bundled Pierre into the vehicle and drove away. The incident was witnessed by patrons of the fast food outlet and a report was made to the Arouca police. When Newsday visited the home of the victim at Mt Hope Villas, no one was at the posh apartment. Neighbours claimed Pierre had been living there for more than a year, while his wife lives abroad. Pierre was described as quiet and reserved. At the fast food outlet, it was business as usual and a woman, who identified herself as the manager, said she had nothing to say about the incident. She referred Newsday to the police. On Sunday night, Pierre’s car was found intact in Woodbrook. The vehicle was checked by fingerprint experts.