A man allegedly caught on video tape attempting to kidnap a fifth-grade girl on her way to Sunset Elementary School was taken into custody by Glendale Police.
Glendale Police arrested 37-year-old Joseph Leroy Ruiz, for the attempted kidnapping of the girl that occurred on Friday morning.
According to the Glendale Police Department, on January 26, officers responded to the area of 43rd Avenue and Onyx Avenue for a report of an attempted kidnapping. When officers arrived, they found an 11-year-old girl who reported that a man jumped out of his car and attempted to grab her. The victim said she was walking to school when the incident occurred and was able to scream and run away from Ruiz.
Officers were able to obtain security video near the incident that showed the attempted kidnapping.
Glendale PD says the video supplied an accurate description of Ruiz and his vehicle.
Officers began canvassing the area and were able to locate the vehicle with Ruiz still inside. Ruiz was still wearing the same clothing as described by the victim.
The Glendale Police Department commended the “bravery of this young victim. She did exactly what she needed to do to avoid this situation from becoming much worse. We also want to take this opportunity to point out the quick work and thinking of our officers to arrest this suspect within a few hours of the incident taking place.”