After escaping an attempted kidnapping and sexual assault on Tuesday morning, a 12-year-old girl from Grand Rapids is being honored for her bravery. The Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD) has accused 25-year-old Marquis Martinez, the suspect, with second-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping, according to WOODTV.
While the girl was waiting for her school bus, the incident happened at around 7 a.m. near the junction of Bradford Street and Ball Avenue NE. Speaking to FOX 17, Chief Winstrom praised the young girl for her fast thinking, which not only let her escape but also helped stop any future incidents by promptly informing authorities. When the Grand Rapids Fire Department crew noticed someone unusual in a nearby forested area, they assisted the GRPD in their quick response.
The suspect seized the kid, attempted to cover her mouth, and dragged her across the street to a garden area where the assault was attempted, according to additional information the girl’s mother gave to WOODTV. Martinez was apprehended quickly because to the GRPD’s prompt dissemination of the suspect’s description.
In the wake of the arrest, GRPS issued a letter to the entire district asking all staff members and families to review safety procedures. The letter stressed the value of being vigilant, traveling in groups when feasible, and reporting any suspicious activity. It was also distributed to WZZM 13.
Parents were alarmed by this occurrence; Danielle Farrey told WOODTV that she would have preferred a direct phone call from the district regarding the dangerous incident at her child’s bus stop since she felt that the district’s communications were not prompt.
In his statement to WOODTV, Chief Winstrom praised the girl’s courage and pointed out that predators like Martinez “do not stop” and that this might not have been his first time trying to hurt a child. Martinez may be connected to other similar reported events in the area, according to the GRPD’s ongoing investigation. To help with the ongoing investigation, authorities ask anybody with information about the event to contact GRPD’s Family Services investigators at 616-456-3380 or provide anonymous tips via Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.
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