SJPD Arrest Three Suspects for Alleged Kidnapping of Three Month Old Infant
Originally published as a San Jose Police Department press release:
“On April 25, 2022, at approximately 1:01 PM, patrol Officers responded to the 1000 Block of Elm Street on a report of a missing three month old infant. The child’s grandmother reported that after she momentarily went outside to unload groceries from her vehicle, she returned to the residence and discovered her infant grandson gone.
The preliminary investigation revealed an unknown male suspect, later identified as Jose Roman Portillo, had unlawfully entered the residence and kidnapped the infant. An initial canvass of the area revealed video surveillance footage of the suspect arriving to the victim’s residence with a child car seat in hand.
Multiple patrol Officers, SJPD Robbery Detectives, SJPD Special Operations Officers, and a contingent of Special Agents from the San Francisco Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) arrived at the scene and immediately began a thorough investigation, combined with a large media push, to locate and identify the suspect responsible.
During the investigation, detectives learned that prior to the kidnapping, Suspect Yesenia Guadalupe Ramirez had transported the victim and the victim’s grandmother to run errands. As Suspect Ramirez’ statement changed several times during the interview process, the Detectives detained her as a person of interest. Suspect Sandoval was identified as an additional suspect in the case and was also detained and interviewed. Based on their statements, and evidence obtained during the investigation, Detectives placed both Ramirez and Sandoval under arrest.
On the morning of April 26, 2022, San José Police Department Covert Response Unit (CRU), MERGE Unit, and SJPD Patrol Officers assisted Robbery Unit Detectives with the apprehension of Suspect Portillo in San José, and the service of a search warrant at his residence.
SJPD personnel located the infant victim, who appeared to be healthy and unharmed, in Portillo’s residence. The victim was transported to a local hospital and reunited with his family. Out of an abundance of caution, the victim was admitted for a routine medical examination.
“This incident is a parent’s worst nightmare, and we are fortunate that we have the best Department in the Nation that helped bring forward a positive outcome. This case yet again highlights the dedication and commitment of our women and men who go above and beyond every day to keep our community safe,” said Chief of Police Anthony Mata. “I’d like to also thank our partners at the FBI, as well as the Santa Clara County Search and Rescue team for providing additional valuable resources.”
Any persons with information about this case or similar incidents involving this suspect are urged to contact Detective Van Brande #4542 of the Robbery Unit with any information about this incident at (408) 277-4166.
Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.svcrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.”
