A terrifying abduction ended with a young girl’s daring escape — and a predator behind bars — rocking Stockton, California to its core.
At a Glance
- 13-year-old kidnapped in Stockton, escapes attacker
- Suspect Dennis Lee, 41, arrested with replica gun
- Victim helped by Chevron worker after bold escape
- Lee faces seven felonies, $4 million bail
- Police call for other victims to step forward
Stockton Girl’s Brave Escape Cracks Case
Stockton police have arrested 41-year-old Dennis Lee, accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in a harrowing April 22 ordeal. As CBS News Sacramento reports, the girl was walking near West Lane and the Calaveras River when Lee allegedly snatched her into his car and drove her across town.
Trapped and terrified, the victim seized her chance when Lee parked — fleeing the vehicle and running to a Chevron station for help. A quick-thinking employee helped her alert authorities, setting off a fast-moving manhunt.
Watch CBS Sacramento’s coverage at Suspect in kidnapping, sexual assault of 13-year-old girl in Stockton arrested.
Police found Lee soon after. A replica firearm was recovered from his vehicle, and his criminal rap sheet — including manslaughter and sex offenses — added chilling weight to the charges now piling up.
Heavy Charges, Huge Bail
Lee faces seven felony counts, including kidnapping, sexual assault, and lewd acts with a child under 14, according to The Record. His bail? A staggering $4,005,000 — a figure reflecting the severity of the allegations.
“The alleged crimes committed against this child are horrific, and this office will ensure that justice is pursued aggressively and without compromise,” a San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office spokesperson said to CBS News Sacramento.
Police officials heaped praise on the victim’s courage and the speed of the arrest. “We are relieved that the victim has been safely located, and we commend her bravery,” police said in a statement reported by The Record.
Call For Other Victims
Investigators aren’t ruling out the possibility of more victims. They’re urging anyone with information about Lee to contact Stockton Police or Stockton Crime Stoppers immediately.
Chevron officials, whose employee helped save the girl, spoke out too: “Safety is a top priority for Chevron. We are glad we were able to assist law enforcement to help this young woman get the assistance she needed,” the company told CBS News Sacramento.
As Stockton reels from this horrifying case, authorities vow full justice for the young survivor — and anyone else Lee may have hurt.
For more updates, see ABC10’s full report at Man arrested for allegedly kidnapping, sexually assaulting 13-year-old girl in Stockton.
