Recent Attempted Kidnappings in Madera County May Be Related, Authorities Say
The Madera County Sheriff’s Office is reportedly investigating two incidents of attempted kidnapping in June that they believe may be related.
At approximately 9:45 a.m. on June 26, 2024, the Madera County Sheriff’s Communications Center received a report of an attempted kidnapping at the Fresno River near Road 23 and Avenue 15 1/2 in Madera, the Sheriff’s Office said in a press release.
An adult female in her 20s reported that an unknown male approached her on the Granada Trail, tried to grab her, and attempted to put something on her mouth. She escaped and contacted authorities, the Sheriff’s Office said.
The victim reported that the suspect had taken her car keys and earphones before fleeing, and provided deputies with a description of the suspect and his direction of escape.
Madera County Sheriff’s Office deputies, supported by local law enforcement, reportedly searched the area for nearly five hours using K9 units, OHVs, drones, and helicopters.
Investigators also contacted multiple individuals and issued a search warrant for a nearby encampment. Despite several leads, the suspect was ultimately not identified, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
During the investigation, authorities reportedly discovered a similar incident had occurred on June 15. At around 8:45 a.m., a 36-year-old woman was allegedly threatened by a man with a gun while walking on the Granada Trail.
The individual allegedly forced her towards the Fresno River orchards and bound her wrists, the Sheriff’s Office said.
She escaped and called 911.
Though authorities cannot conclusively link the two incidents, the circumstances suggest a possible connection, the Sheriff’s Office said.
Both victims reportedly described the suspect as an adult Hispanic male, approximately 5’6” to 5’8”, possibly with a mustache, very thin, around 20 to 45 years old, with brown eyes.
