Man accused of kidnapping, sexually assaulting 13-year-old girl in Stockton, police say
STOCKTON – A suspect has been arrested after Stockton police said a 13-year-old girl was forced into a vehicle and sexually assaulted earlier this week.
The Stockton Police Department said it received a missing person's report on Tuesday after a 13-year-old girl left her home. Then, shortly after that report, police received a report of a possible sexual assault.
During the investigation, police put it together that the two reports were related.
Officers said the girl was walking in the area of West Lane and Calaveras River when a suspect approached her and forced her into his vehicle before leaving the area, driving over five miles away to the area of Benjamin Holt Drive and I-5.
Police said the suspect then sexually assaulted the girl in his vehicle. The girl was able to escape when the vehicle came to a stop in a parking lot, police said.
CBS13 confirmed the Chevron on Benjamin Holt Drive was the business where an employee helped the girl connect with law enforcement.
In a statement, a corporate spokesperson for the company said: "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."
On Thursday, the suspect's vehicle was located, leading to the arrest of 41-year-old Dennis Lee, who was found to be carrying a replica firearm.
"The alleged crimes committed against this child are horrific, and this office will ensure that justice is pursued aggressively and without compromise," the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office said in a statement.
Officers said Lee's criminal history includes manslaughter, sexual assaults and prostitution.
Anyone who may be a victim of Lee is urged to contact the Stockton Police Department or Stockton Crime Stoppers, police say.
