Horrifying footage shows how the walk to school became a frightening affair for a fifth-grader – when she was almost kidnapped in broad daylight by a suspect who is now behind bars.
The kidnapping attempt occurred just before 8 a.m. Friday in Glendale, Arizona, and resulted in 37-year-old Joseph Ruiz being taken into custody on kidnapping and custodial interference charges.
The clip shows the defendant's silver sedan apparently waiting for the young girl after she leaves her family's apartment at 43rd Avenue and Onyx Avenue.
That's when, according to police, Ruiz gets out of the car and tries to grab her, but she manages to escape.
After she escaped, neighbors said three students were able to come to her aid when they realized she was in distress. The man, believed to be Ruiz, is seen sulking as he returns to his car before he is eventually handcuffed.
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Footage shows how the walk to school turned frightening for a fifth-grader in Glendale, Arizona – when she was nearly kidnapped by a suspect (seen here on the right) who is now behind bars
The kidnapping attempt occurred just before 8 a.m. Friday and resulted in 37-year-old Joseph Ruiz (pictured) being taken into custody on kidnapping and custodial interference charges. Police announced this week that he has a criminal history
'NO!' According to a KPHO reporter who viewed the raw video captured by a neighbor's surveillance camera, the girl can be heard screaming as the man chased her.
Glendale police officers responded to the girl's call and obtained the neighbor's security footage, which showed the man making a U-turn before jumping out of his car and chasing the girl for a short distance.
The girl – whose name was not given – then told officers “that.” [the] “An unknown adult male attempted to grab her as she walked to school,” police said – before revealing Ruiz's criminal record.
Police in the small town outside Phoenix said they identified the vehicle and suspect and tracked him down elsewhere in the city later in the day.
“I would like to note that he has a history of violence,” the prosecutor said in Ruiz's court appearance video, according to KPHO.
“He was convicted of aggravated assault, a Class 3 dangerous felony,” the official added – before explaining that the charge was filed “subsequently.” [Ruiz] stabbed his mother in the neck.
A date for the crime was not immediately given – but police said the girl caught the suspect's attention as she left her apartment.
Because Ruiz remained detained Sunday, cops said more information would come to light Monday.
Glendale police officers responded to the girl's call and obtained the neighbor's security footage, which showed the man making a U-turn before jumping out of his car and chasing the girl for a short distance
![The girl – whose name was not given – then told officers “that.” [the]](https://www.spamchronicles.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/1706451991_235_Horrifying-moment-37-year-old-suspect-tries-to-grab-and-kidnap-an.jpeg "Horrifying moment: 37-year-old suspect tries to grab and kidnap an Arizona fifth-grader in broad daylight as she walked to school 6")
The girl – whose name was not given – then told officers “that.” [the] “An unknown adult male attempted to grab her as she walked to school,” police said – before revealing Ruiz's criminal record
The clip shows the defendant's silver sedan apparently waiting for the young girl after she leaves her family's apartment at 43rd Avenue and Onyx Avenue.
That's when, according to police, Ruiz gets out of the car and tries to grab her, but she manages to escape.
'NO!' According to a KPHO reporter who viewed the raw video captured by a neighbor's surveillance camera, the girl can be heard screaming as the man chased her
The perpetrator finally gives up after the girl was able to quickly run away
He is seen sulking as he walks back to his car, which the police used to identify and track him down
Meanwhile, residents are praising three other minors who were in the area that morning for their quick thinking after noticing the potential victim in need of help and wrapping their bodies around her.
“They hid her because the man was chasing her,” said Amcy Borquez, whose younger sister and two younger cousins can be seen helping the girl in another clip captured by a neighbor's surveillance camera help.
“I think they were very brave for their age,” Borquez said, adding that the trio were friends with the young girl.
“I talk to them all day like you’re heroes.”
According to police, the victim noticed the suspect following her as she left her apartment, and the Glendale resident added, “I told my mom I didn't care if I was late for school, I walk them every day.'
As of Sunday, the child had yet to be identified, but in a message to parents at nearby Sunset Elementary, district officials warned students to remain vigilant and put away their cellphones when walking to and from campus.
Because Ruiz remained detained Sunday, cops said more information would come to light Monday
Meanwhile, residents are praising three other minors who were in the area that morning for their quick thinking after noticing the potential victim in need of help and wrapping their bodies around her
“They hid her because the man was chasing her,” said Amcy Borquez, whose younger sister and two younger cousins can be seen helping the girl in another clip captured by a neighbor's surveillance camera help
“I think they were very brave for their age,” Borquez said, adding that the trio were friends with the young girl. “I talk to them all day long like they’re heroes.”
“It's very scary to know that it happened right in front of my house, to know that my child, my son, goes to this school,” said Nayeli Martinez, whose camera captured the failed kidnapping
“Travel to and from school in groups. “DON’T TRAVEL ALONE,” Friday’s bulletin warned.
Meanwhile, parents in the normally safe neighborhood fear for the safety of their children, including Nayeli Martinez, whose home surveillance camera captured the failed kidnapping.
In an emotional interview, she revealed that her 11-year-old son goes to school with the victim.
“It's very scary to know that it happened right in front of my house, to know that my child, my son, goes to this school,” Martinez said of her son Nico.
“It gave me goosebumps.”
The police are still investigating the kidnapping attempt. In a statement, they said more information about their investigation would be released on Monday. Bail was not immediately provided for Ruiz.
Nico was also impressed by the incident in his own statement.
“Thank God I’m safe,” the child said.