Glendale Police arrested Joseph Leroy Ruiz, 37, Jan. 26 for the attempted kidnapping of a juvenile female victim.

On that Friday morning, Glendale Police responded to the area of 43^rd and Onyx avenues for a report of an attempted kidnapping.  When officers arrived, they found an 11-year-old female who claimed a man jumped out of his car and attempted to grab her.

The victim said she was walking to school when the incident occurred and was able to scream and run away from the suspect, who has since been identified as Joseph Ruiz.

Officers were able to obtain security video near the incident that showed the attempted kidnapping. The video supplied an accurate description of the suspect and the suspect’s vehicle.

Officers began canvassing the area and were able to locate the vehicle with the suspect still inside. The suspect was still wearing the same clothing as described by the victim.  After speaking with the suspect officers were able to place him under arrest.

Ruiz is facing charges of attempted kidnapping. 

According to court documents reported by Fox 10, Ruiz lived just 130 feet away from the victim in the same apartment complex. Ruiz has a criminal history, including prior charges of attempted first-degree murder and aggravated assault.

In a press release Glendale Police commended the bravery of this young victim. She did exactly what she needed to do to avoid this situation from becoming much worse.

The police deparment also praised the quick work and thinking of our officers to arrest this suspect within a few hours of the incident taking place.