Merced Police Arrest Suspect in Child Abduction

A man was arrested by Merced Police officers for kidnapping, Merced police say.

On Wednesday afternoon at around 3:45 officers responded to Rahilly park in the 3400 block of North Parsons for reports of a possible kidnapping of an 8-year-old.

The parents reported their child was playing in Rahilly Park when confronted by a transient male that forced her inside his tent next to the bike path.

The 8-year-old child was able to escape and returned to her residence. The victim did not sustain any physical traumatic injuries.

Officers searched the area and located the suspect. The suspect was identified as 65-year-old Rolando Gonzalez. Gonzalez was booked into the Merced County Jail on kidnapping and annoying/molesting a child charges.

Merced Police are asking anyone with any information regarding this crime to contact Officer R. Hernandez at 209-385-6912 or by email at hernandezr@cityofmerced.org.