Photo: Ricardo Hernandez
TULARE – What was supposed to be a child exchange turned violent on September 6.
The attempted exchange went south when the victim’s ex-boyfriend, 18-year-old Ricardo Hernandez, stole the ex’s car.
Jade Ruiz
Hernandez forced the woman into the back seat where their 3-year-old daughter sat. The suspect physically assaulted a man who confronted him before he took off with mother and daughter on board.
The woman jumped out of the vehicle as Hernandez drove off with their daughter inside.
Investigators determined that Hernandez went to a home in the 100 block of Sacramento Street.
At the Sacramento Street residence detectives contacted Hernandez’s current girlfriend, 18-year-old Jade Ruiz. She tried to hide the suspect in her home.
Detectives found the 3-year-old, as well as her fleeing father.
Hernandez’s charges are kidnapping, child endangerment, assault and theft of a vehicle. For her part, Ruiz’s charge is accessory after the fact.
