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Canyon Country Kidnapping Suspect Returns To Court

Canyon Country kidnapping suspect Santos Martinez, accused of attempting to abduct a 15-year-old girl from a Santa Clarita parking lot in June of this year, was due in court Tuesday.


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During his appearance, a preliminary trial hearing was set for Jan. 5, said Ricardo Santiago, spokesperson for the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

On June 5, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station deputies responded to a report of a middle-aged man who allegedly accosted a teenage girl in a Santa Clarita parking lot.

Martinez allegedly approached the girl asking for her name and phone number, according to Sgt. Michael Konecny from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

The suspect then asked if he could kiss her, and when the victim attempted to move away from the suspect, the man began to follow her.

See Related: Canyon Country Kidnapping Suspect Returns To Court

Martinez is then suspected of “bear-hugging” the victim, and dragging her more than 30 feet across the parking lot. Witnesses in the Canyon Country parking lot heard the screaming, and immediately intervened, according to Konecny.

The suspect then fled down a nearby alley, where deputies arrested him.

“He’s being charged with kidnapping and annoying children,” said Shirley Miller, a spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

Officials confirmed Martinez was intoxicated at the time of his arrest.

Martinez is currently being held at the Pitchess Detention Center in lieu of $70,000 bail.

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Canyon Country Kidnapping Suspect Returns To Court

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About Devon Miller

Devon Miller was born and raised in Santa Clarita. He joined KHTS Radio as a digital marketing intern in September of 2017, and later moved to news as a staff writer in December. Miller attended College of the Canyons and served as the Associated Student Government President. Miller is now News Director for KHTS, covering breaking news and politics across the Santa Clarita Valley.