A tense chapter for families near Pioneer Elementary in Escondido is nearing its legal end after a man admitted in court that he tried to pull a child into his car while the student was walking to school. The child broke free, ran straight to campus to tell staff what happened, and police had a suspect in custody the very next day.
Jose Ruiz Cruz, 28, pleaded guilty Monday to attempted kidnapping and sending harmful matter to a minor and now faces up to nine years and eight months in state prison when he is sentenced next month, according to NBC 7 San Diego. Prosecutors charged Cruz with both the attempted kidnapping count and a separate charge for sending harmful material to a child.
How Police Say It Unfolded
Escondido police say the encounter happened on the morning of Feb. 11, 2025, when a dark green four-door sedan pulled alongside a child walking toward Pioneer Elementary. Someone inside allegedly opened a door and grabbed at the student. The child escaped and immediately told school staff, which prompted a swift investigation.
Detectives say they tracked down the suspect vehicle the next morning on Auto Parkway near Andreasen Drive, carried out a high-risk traffic stop and arrested 27-year-old Jose Cruz-Ruiz, according to a release from the Escondido Police Department.
Legal Consequences and Next Steps
Cruz entered guilty pleas Monday to attempted kidnapping and to sending harmful matter to a minor, taking a trial off the table and leaving his punishment up to the judge. Prosecutors say his potential exposure tops out at nine years and eight months in state prison, with sentencing set for next month, per NBC 7 San Diego. The case will return to court then so the judge can formally hand down Cruz’s term.
What Parents and Neighbors Can Expect
Detectives with the Escondido Police Department say they do not believe any additional suspects are at large and are still asking anyone with information to call (760) 839-4722 and reference case 25001339, according to the department’s advisory.
