Photo: Fabian Ornelas
On June 13, 2020, Fresno County Sheriff patrol deputies were called to a home on the 3900 block of Santa Fe (Palm and Dakota) regarding a kidnapping and attempted rape report. FCSO Sexual Assault Unit detectives were also present.
The victim reported she “matched” with 30-year old Fabian Ornelas on the dating app Tinder; he was using “Dominick” as his profile name. They agreed to meet in person and after spending some time together, the woman decided it was time for her to leave.
At this time Ornelas stopped her from leaving and attempted to rape her. She was able to get away during the assault, flee to safety, and make the call to the Sheriff’s Office.
When detectives searched Ornelas’ home, as allowed via a granted search warrant, they found evidence of similar crimes committed by him in the past. Ornelas was arrested for kidnapping, false imprisonment, attempted rape, probation violation, and other sexual assault related charges. He was booked at the Fresno County Jail with bail set at $245,500, which he has posted and since been released.
Sergeant Chad Stokes asks anyone who may have been a victim of Ornelas or has information about this case to contact him at 559-600-8144. Victims of sexual assault may access resources such as advocates and therapeutic services through the Rape Counseling Service at https://rcsfresno.org/ or by calling the 24 hours Crisis Line at 559-222-7273.
Photos from the FCSO
