A 13-year-old girl escaped her captor and led Stockton police to arrest a convicted felon with a history of sexual assault charges after she was allegedly kidnapped and assaulted while walking near a local river.
At a Glance
- Dennis Lee, 41, was arrested Thursday after allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in Stockton
- The victim escaped when the vehicle stopped in a parking lot and sought help at a Chevron gas station
- Police found Lee with a replica firearm; he now faces seven felony charges including kidnapping and lewd acts with a child
- Lee has a criminal history including manslaughter, sexual assaults, and prostitution charges
- Bail is set at $4,005,000 as authorities encourage other potential victims to come forward
Child’s Brave Escape Leads to Arrest
Stockton police arrested 41-year-old Dennis Lee on Thursday after a 13-year-old girl reported being forcibly abducted and sexually assaulted. The incident began when the suspect allegedly coerced the girl into his vehicle near West Lane and the Calaveras River area.
According to investigators, Lee drove the victim more than five miles to the vicinity of Benjamin Holt Drive and Interstate 5, where he reportedly committed the assault. The girl’s quick thinking during a moment when the vehicle had stopped in a parking lot allowed her to escape her captor.
After fleeing the vehicle, the victim sought help at a nearby Chevron gas station on Benjamin Holt Drive. An employee at the station assisted the girl in contacting law enforcement authorities.
The police department initially received reports of both a missing person and a possible sexual assault on April 22. With information provided by the victim, officers were able to locate the suspect’s vehicle, leading to Lee’s arrest. During the apprehension, authorities discovered Lee was carrying a replica firearm.
Multiple Felony Charges Filed
Lee now faces seven felony charges related to the incident, including kidnapping, various forms of sexual assault, and lewd acts with a child under 14 years of age. Court records show bail has been set at $4,005,000, and Lee is scheduled for arraignment.
This case is particularly concerning to law enforcement given Lee’s extensive criminal history, which reportedly includes prior convictions for manslaughter, sexual assaults, and prostitution-related offenses. The San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office has pledged to pursue justice with full force.
“The alleged crimes committed against this child are horrific, and this office will ensure that justice is pursued aggressively and without compromise.”, said San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office.
The Chevron station where the victim sought help released a statement supporting their employee’s actions in this emergency situation. The company emphasized its commitment to community safety while expressing relief that their staff member was able to provide critical assistance when needed. Law enforcement authorities have commended both the quick thinking of the victim and the gas station employee who helped her contact police.
Authorities Seek Additional Victims
Due to Lee’s criminal background, Stockton Police are concerned there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Authorities are urging anyone with information or who may have been victimized by Lee to contact the Stockton Police Department or Stockton Crime Stoppers. The police department has expressed gratitude for the interagency cooperation that led to the suspect’s swift apprehension, potentially preventing further crimes.
Safety advocates note that this case underscores the importance of teaching children about personal safety and escape tactics. The victim’s ability to identify an opportunity to flee and seek help likely prevented further trauma and was instrumental in bringing the suspect to justice. Community members have expressed relief at the quick police work while voicing concern about the safety of children in the area following this disturbing incident.
