Kidnapping attempt foiled by victim's uncle; suspect in custody

Olivar Angelo Roblero

news@thefranklinpress.com

A man has been arrested after his alleged attempt to kidnap a 9-year-old victim failed.

Sheriff Robert Holland said Monday that Olivar Angelo Roblero, 36, of 397 Iotla Valley Trailer Park was charged with felony attempted kidnapping after he tried to grab a child from a neighbor's yard.

Holland said the child's family had returned home from a family function early Monday morning. According to the sheriff, the child had a new dog that needed to be taken outside.

"The attempt occurred while the child was outside alone with her dog at about 3 a.m.," Holland said. "The yard was fenced in and the suspect tried to lift her over the fence. She struggled and got away."

"The family heard the victim's screams," he added. "A family member caught up with the suspect at his residence."

A dispute ensued. Roblero's arrest report states that at some point, the family member struck Roblero on the cheek.

"That's when other neighbors in the park heard the altercation and made the 911 call," Holland said.

When deputies arrived, they discovered through their initial investigation that Roblero had attempted to take the child. He was taken into custody and charged with the attempted kidnapping charge and misdemeanor assault on a child under 12 years of age.

"He admitted to being here in the country illegally," Holland said. "We've contacted Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and they've requested that we put a hold on him."

Roblero's current bond is $20,000, though he will not be able to post bond due to the ICE detainment request, which relates to his illegal status.

Detective Stephanie Pellicer was still investigating the case on Monday. Holland said that additional charges are pending.