MORENO VALLEY, Calif. (TCD) — Deputies arrested a 50-year-old man this week on suspicion of trying to kidnap two juveniles as they were on their way to school.
According to a news release from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, on April 24, at approximately 9:20 a.m., deputies with the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to the area of Cactus Avenue and Perris Boulevard in reference to a possible attempted abduction. Two female juveniles reportedly said a person, later identified as Rene Ramirez, went up to them in a vehicle as they were walking to school.
Ramirez allegedly tried to pull one of the victims into his car, but according to the sheriff’s office, “The juvenile was able to break free from his grasp.” Once at school, the girl told school officials, who reported the incident to the sheriff’s office.
Investigators found the suspect and his vehicle with the help of the juveniles’ description. At approximately 10:45 a.m., officials arrested Ramirez, and he was booked into the Riverside County Jail on charges of attempted kidnapping and annoying and molesting children. He remains held on $1 million bail.
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It’s horrifying to think that there are individuals like this out there preying on innocent children. Thank goodness for the quick thinking and bravery of the juvenile who managed to escape. We need to do everything we can to protect our kids and ensure their safety on their way to school.