In a chilling morning episode, two young students narrowly escaped an abduction on their way to school, spurring authorities into action that culminated in the arrest of a 50-year-old man from Indio. Sergeant Robert Martinez from Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Office reported that the attempted kidnap occurred in Moreno Valley, near Cactus Avenue and Perris Boulevard; the suspect, Rene Ramirez, approached the juveniles in his vehicle, forcefully trying to drag one into the car, the attempt was foiled as the girl managed to break free and flee to safety.

The incident, which took place on April 24, sent shockwaves through the community, Ramirez was later apprehended following a police investigation that included a detailed description by the victims, the suspect’s vehicle was spotted and stopped by Sheriff’s Investigators at approximately 10:45 a.m., not far from the scene of the attempted crime, at Ormista Drive and Searson Drive. The swift action of the victims in reporting the attack to school officials, and the officials' prompt alert to the Sheriff’s Office, led to the quick coordination that brought the suspect into custody.

Authorities have since booked Rene Ramirez at the Robert Presley Detention Center, where he faces charges of attempted kidnapping and annoying and molesting children. An urge has been sent out to the community, by the same report, for anyone with additional information about the case or who may have had suspicious interactions with Ramirez to come forward and contact Investigator Morales at the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station Investigations Bureau.

The unsettling attempt and subsequent arrest prompted a release by the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Office, disseminated in hopes of identifying further potential victims or witnesses, concerned parents and community members alike are on edge, grappling with the proximity of danger in their daily routines, the information can be found in detail on the Sheriff’s Office website as the investigation remains ongoing.