A 12-year-old Grand Rapids girl is being recognized for her courage after managing to escape from an attempted abduction and sexual assault on Tuesday morning. According to WOODTV, the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Marquis Martinez, has been charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping, as reported by the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD).
The incident occurred around 7 a.m. near the intersection of Bradford Street and Ball Avenue NE while the girl was waiting for her school bus. Chief Winstrom, speaking to FOX 17, commended the young girl for her quick thinking that allowed her to not only break free but to also help prevent any future incidents by alerting authorities immediately. The GRPD responded rapidly, with help from a Grand Rapids Fire Department crew that spotted someone suspicious in a nearby wooded area.
Further details provided by the girl's mother to WOODTV revealed that her daughter was grabbed by the suspect, who tried to cover her mouth and drag her across the street to a garden area where the assault was attempted. The GRPD was quick to disseminate the suspect's description, aiding in the swift apprehension of Martinez.
Following the arrest, GRPS sent out a district-wide letter urging all families and staff to review safety practices. The letter, also shared with WZZM 13, emphasized the importance of staying alert, traveling in groups when possible, and reporting any suspicious activity.
This incident sparked concern among parents, one of whom, Danielle Farrey, explained to WOODTV that the communications from the district did not seem immediate and that as a parent, she would have appreciated a direct phone call concerning the dangerous incident at her child's bus stop.
Chief Winstrom commended the girl's bravery in his statement to WOODTV, noted that predators like Martinez "do not stop" and that this may not have been his first attempt to harm a child. The GRPD is currently investigating whether Martinez could be linked to other similar reported incidents in the region. Authorities encourage anyone with knowledge of the incident to reach out to GRPD’s Family Services investigators at 616-456-3380 or submit anonymous tips through Silent Observer at 616-774-2345, to assist in the ongoing investigation.
