Grandpa sought in abduction

LAS VEGAS — Investigators were looking for the grandfather of a kidnapped 6-year-old boy Friday, saying they believe the abduction may be linked to the man's drug dealings with Mexican nationals.

The boy, Cole Puffinburger, was abducted from a Las Vegas home Wednesday morning by three men posing as police officers. Police said they believe the men were Mexican drug dealers and that the kidnapping at gunpoint was a "message" to his grandfather, Clemens Fred Tinnemeyer.

"Tinnemeyer has stolen a large sum of money, all proceeds from illegal drug activity," Las Vegas police Capt. Vincent Cannito said.

An Amber Alert has been issued for a 6-year-old Las Vegas boy, with authorities asking people in surrounding states — including Utah — to be on the lookout for him.

Police believe methamphetamine was involved, said officer Cris Johnson, a Las Vegas police spokesman.

Tinnemeyer, 51, may have stolen millions of dollars from the Mexican nationals, Johnson said. Johnson declined to say what role Tinnemeyer played in the drug operation or whether the kidnappers were seeking a ransom.

Tinnemeyer was last seen in May and reported missing Sept. 11, Johnson said.

The nationwide Amber Alert remained in effect after two men tied up Cole's mother and her boyfriend at their house Wednesday and abducted Cole. Cannito said a third man was believed to be involved.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children urged caution, saying the abductors may be armed.

Cole is described as white, about 3-foot-11, 48 pounds, with blue eyes and blond hair. He was last seen wearing a black "John Cena" sweatshirt, dark-colored jeans and black Vans tennis shoes. He also wears silver-rimmed glasses.

Anyone with information on Cole's disappearance is urged to contact the Las Vegas Metro Police Department at 702-828-3111.

Cannito said police had several other persons of interest in the case, but no suspects in the abduction.

Meanwhile, authorities were looking for Tinnemeyer and his white Dodge pickup with Mississippi license plates, Cannito said.

Authorities also were investigating whether other family members had ties to the drug operation, Johnson said.

"Money is a huge factor, obviously. Drugs are a huge factor," Johnson said. "The only innocent person involved in this entire operation is the boy."

The FBI, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration are investigating.

---

Contributing: Ben Winslow, Deseret News