Dos Palos man arrested for alleged kidnapping attempt

A Dos Palos man was taken into custody after he allegedly attempted to kidnap a woman but was thwarted by the actions of three bystanders, according to Dos Palos police.

Ramon Saavedra, 25, allegedly tried to force the woman into his Chevrolet pickup truck on Saturday in the area of California Avenue and Santa Rita Street, witnesses told investigators.

“Three unidentified citizens prevented him from kidnapping a mother who was with her children,” the Dos Palos Police Department said in a statement.

“Thank you to those three who stopped and got involved. Without your help, this could have turned out differently,” the department said.

Saavedra was restrained by court order to stay away from the woman.

Witnesses called 911 on Saturday to report a man assaulting a woman. As officers arrived, Saavedra was seen fleeing from the area. He was caught and taken into custody, police said. Although a gun was reported, none had been located when the department issued its report.

The woman and her three children were safe and the children “were relieved he was arrested,” the department statement said.

Saavedra was being held on suspicion of felony attempted kidnapping and misdemeanor violation of court order. His bond was set at $105,000.

According to Merced County Sheriff’s records, Saavedra has a history of several felony and misdemeanor charges, including domestic violence, willful cruelty to a child, child endangerment, driving under the influence, receiving or possessing stolen property, violation of probation and other offenses.

This story was originally published May 22, 2016 at 4:11 PM with the headline "Dos Palos man arrested for alleged kidnapping attempt."