PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) — A man suspected of abducting a 9-year-old Rhode Island girl just after she got off her school bus appeared in court Wednesday, police said.
Luis Martinez-Romero, 34, of Cranston, was arraigned on charges of kidnapping of a minor and second-degree sexual assault, Providence police said in a statement.
No plea was entered, he was ordered held without bail and his case was assigned to a public defender.
“There has been no more disturbing, deeply disturbing case in this city, or I’d say in this state for quite some time,” Police Chief Hugh Clements told reporters outside court following the arraignment.
“Our thoughts and support are with the family, our prayers are with the family for this heinous, heinous crime,” he said, adding that the girl was doing fine, and was receiving the support she needs.
The girl was abducted at about 3 p.m. Monday just after she got off her school bus in Providence.
The suspect, who appears to be a stranger to the girl, took her for a ride to Cranston, assaulted her, the dropped her off at roughly the same location, Police Chief Col. Hugh Clements told WPRO’s Gene Valicenti on Wednesday. Listen to the interview below:
“This is the most heinous of crimes, deeply disturbing,” he said.
Police on Tuesday released surveillance video that shows a person running up from behind the girl and grabbing her, then carrying her to an SUV.
This story has been updated with information from the court appearance.
