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| Matthew Cruz |
Detectives aggressively worked this case from the moment the incident was reported, conducting numerous neighborhood canvasses over several days. Additionally, CMPD detectives and officers with the North Division went door to door in the neighborhood asking for the public’s assistance in the case.
Mr. Cruz does not live in the same apartment complex where the incident occurred; however, he does live nearby. After an apartment complex resident noticed him on the property today and called 911, Mr. Cruz ran from the complex. Officers with the North Division responded to the area, located him across the street and detained him. Mr. Cruz voluntarily went to the North Division office where he was interviewed by Detectives with the Missing Persons Unit. Subsequently, Mr. Cruz was charged with Kidnapping (2nd Degree), Assault on a Child Under 12 and Resisting Arrest.
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On Saturday evening, around 5:45pm, the CMPD police were called to Long Creek Green Drive at the Long Creek Club apartments for a report of an attempted kidnapping of a 7-year old girl. According to the CMPD police report; 'The male reportedly grabbed the child, picked her up and ran behind an apartment building. The child screamed for help and was released by the suspect a short time later.' The suspect was able to get away and the child was released unharmed.
Police say the suspect is a short, stocky (pot belly) Hispanic male with dark spiked hair. He is between the ages of 25-30. If you have any information, please call Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.