Paul Rodriguez (30), a transient, was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a 14-year-old girl.
On Saturday, April 30th at 7:26 PM, officers responded to a laundry mat in the 1100 block of W. Olive Drive for an adult that grabbed a female juvenile.
The 14-year-old female was approached by Rodriguez in the parking lot and grabbed her by the forearm and dragged her between two parked vehicles. The victim’s parents were present but they were separated by a distance of 20 yards.
The victim’s father and another man heard her cries for help and confronted Rodriguez. Rodriguez released the victim and left the area headed north. Officer Gaona located Rodriguez near the 1100 block of Meadows Ave.
Rodriguez was identified by the victim’s father. Thankfully, the victim sustained no injuries.
Rodriguez was arrested for kidnapping and annoying/molesting a child. He was booked into custody at the Merced County Jail.
His bail is currently $100,000.00, according to jail records.
