Man suspected of kidnapping, sexually assaulting girl turns himself in

A transient has been arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a 12-year-old Fresno girl from her frontyard, gagging her and sexually assaulting her, authorities said Wednesday.

Luis Angel Ramirez, 50, turned himself in to authorities late Tuesday after seeing his photograph in local media, according to Deputy Chris Curtice of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department.

Ramirez, an acquaintance of the girl’s father, had been wanted in connection with kidnapping her in front of her home, Curtice said.

He placed the girl inside a nearby truck and gagged her using duct tape before assaulting her, Curtice said.

Authorities said Ramirez then threatened to kill the girl’s family if she told anyone what happened. The suspect fled from the scene on foot.

Curtice said Ramirez was taken into custody on suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment with violence and threatening, and sexual assault.

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