An 18-year-old is in custody after police said he held two 16-year-olds at gunpoint and pointed a gun at another person in a Zebulon neighborhood. 

Zebulon police arrested Diego Alberto Rijo, 18, at the Sidney Creek neighborhood on Channel Drop Loop near NC-39. Police cleared the scene around 2 a.m. Monday morning. Rijo is accused of kidnapping two teens for the purpose of holding them hostage and terrorizing them. 

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He is also accused of kidnapping a third person by holding them at gunpoint, telling him to "back up" while charging at him.

According to arrest warrants, Rijo caused a public disturbance at the public mailboxes and pickleball courts in the neighborhood by firing the gun and "kidnapping juveniles at gunpoint."

"Officers arrived at the scene and took the individual into custody without further incident," Zebulon police said. "The incident was isolated, and thanks to the quick response of Zebulon police officers and assistance from the Wake County Sheriff’s Office, Wendell Police Department, Knightdale Police Department and Rolesville Police Department, the situation was resolved with no injuries reported and no ongoing threat to the community."

Rijo is also charged with contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile by causing or encouraging two teens to ingest marijuana. He is currently facing nine charges, including:

  • Two counts of first-degree kidnapping
    • One count of second-degree kidnapping
      • Assault with a deadly weapon
        • Assault by pointing a gun
          • Disorderly conduct
            • Two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a juvenile
              • One count of going armed to the terror of the people

                Rijo is being held at the Wake County Courthouse with no bond. He will appear back in court on Sept. 14 at 9 a.m. 

                Rijo faces a maximum of 548 months or 45 years in prison if found guilty.