Location: 600 Block of Wade Ave in Tulare
Incident Date: 09-06-18
Case Number: 18-11767
City: Tulare
Posted by: Media Relations
On September 6, 2018, Deputies with the Tulare County Sheriff’s Ofice responded to the 600 Block of Wade Ave in Tulare in regards to a kidnapping that had just occurred. Deputies arrived on scene and learned a child exchange between a former boyfriend and girlfriend turned violent.
During the exchange the suspect, (the victim's ex-boyfriend) 18-year-old Ricardo Hernandez, stole his former girlfriend’s vehicle after forcing her into the back seat of her car with her 3-year-old daughter. During the incident, a man confronted the suspect and he was physically assaulted Hernandez before he took off. The male victim was taken to a local area hospital where he was treated and released.
Violent Crime Detectives responded to the scene and took over the investigation. As the investigation continued, it was discovered, the female managed to jump out of the moving vehicle. During her escape, the victim was unable to safely take her daughter with her, who remained in the vehicle. Detectives immediately began a manhunt for the suspect, who was believed to be at a home in the 100 Block of Sacramento Street in Tulare.
As detectives arrived on scene, they contacted 18-year-old Jade Ruiz (the suspect’s current girlfriend) who tried to hide him in the home. The 3-year-old was found safe and uninjured in the home. The suspect was subsequently taken into custody without incident along with Jade Ruiz.
Ricardo Hernandez arrested and booked at the Adult Pre-trial Facility for kidnapping, child endangerment, assault and theft of a vehicle. Jade Ruiz was arrested and booked at the Adult Pre-trial Facility for accessory after the fact.
This case remains active and is currently under investigation anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Detective Kyle Kalender or Sgt. Gary Marks with the Tulare County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes unit at (559) 733-6218 or they can remain anonymous by calling or texting (559)725-4194 or through email at tcso@tipnow.com.