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Teen suspects in kidnapping, assault named
By Times Staff Writer
Published September 8, 2005
TAMPA - Three teenagers suspected in a string of robberies and a kidnapping have been named and charged after they were taken into custody by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
The teens, all believed to be members of the Norte 14 gang from eastern Hillsborough County, are suspected of kidnapping a pregnant Polk County woman, sexually assaulting her, breaking into a home in Dover, robbing a convenience store and attempting to rob several people and businesses near Plant City, according to the Sheriff's Office.
The teens were caught Monday afternoon after a brief chase that ended on a median of Interstate 4 near Wheeler Road when the teens' car crashed into a sheriff's cruiser, sheriff's officials said.
Deputies said the boys are Jessie Sanchez, 13, of Plant City, charged on an outstanding weapons warrant; Oscar Ruiz, 16, of Dover, charged with robbery, grand theft, aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer and felony fleeing and eluding; and Ernesto Melendez, 16, of Plant City, charged with robbery.
More charges are pending, the Sheriff's Office said.
Ruiz remained in a county jail Wednesday with no bail.
Sanchez and Melendez were brought to the Juvenile Detention Center.
[Last modified September 8, 2005, 01:48:07]
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