By Gina Yarbrough
Escondido, CA–An attempted kidnapping near Pioneer Elementary School in Escondido this week led to the arrest of a suspect, authorities confirmed.
The suspect, 27-year-old Jose Cruz-Ruiz of Escondido, was arrested after Escondido Police officers conducted a traffic stop in the city. He is expected to be booked at Vista Jail on kidnapping charges.
The incident occurred on Tuesday at 7:19 a.m. when officers responded to a report of an attempted abduction on Ash Street. According to police, a student walking to school was approached by a vehicle, and the driver attempted to pull the child inside. The student managed to escape unharmed and immediately reported the incident upon reaching school grounds.
The suspect’s vehicle was described as a dark green, four-door sedan. Detectives from the Escondido Police Department’s Family Protection Unit launched an intensive investigation, working throughout the day and night to develop leads.
On February 12, at 8:55 a.m., detectives located the suspect’s vehicle driving along Auto Parkway near Andreasen Drive. Officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop, resulting in the arrest of Cruz-Ruiz.
Authorities do not believe there are any additional suspects involved. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Escondido Police Department at (760) 839-4722 or Detective Jesse Santaniello at (760) 839-4768, referencing case number 25001339.
