Migrant held without bond for allegedly abducting Manassas girl

MANASSAS, Va. - The man charged with abducting a girl walking to school in Manassas last week, after crossing into the U.S. illegally last year, is being held without bond.

FOX 5’s Stephanie Ramirez reported from the courthouse Monday morning, where 23-year-old Enrique Ramirez Cabrera appeared before a judge. 

The public defender argued for his release, citing no criminal or violent history in the county. However, the judge ordered Cabrera held without bond.

READ MORE: Suspect arrested after abducting a high school student in Manassas; police

Investigators believe Cabrera approached the girl in his vehicle last Thursday morning as she walked along the 9400 block of Clover Hill Road. He allegedly identified himself as a police officer, forced her into the front passenger seat, and drove off. 

The girl escaped about two miles away near the intersection of Quarry Road and Zebedee Street.

Summer Stacey was on her way to work when she saw the teenager in distress. She told FOX 5's Homa Bash that she pulled over and called 911. 

"My first instinct as – a mother – stop and see what's going on," Stacey said. "It was just concerning because there were so many people driving past, not worried about this little girl sitting on the side of the road. She is somebody's daughter, somebody's sister. something wasn't right."

FOX News reported that Cabrera is a Peruvian immigrant and is in the country illegally. According to their report, he was captured at the Arizona border in December and released into the U.S.

"That's why when you hear people say every state Is becoming a border state, it's these types of stories right now," said Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares. "It is very disturbing what we're seeing and the fact that the government just continues to release these individuals, even when they're stopped … That's not counting those who sneak over that aren't apprehended."

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has been tracking attempted abductions since 2005. They've recorded more than 15,000 instances since then. 

One of the common trends they have found is that children, ages 10 to 14, are most targeted — and primarily during the after-school hours from 4 to 7 p.m. Girls are overwhelmingly victims. 

The organization wants cases like this to serve as a reminder to all parents and guardians: talk to your kids. 

"In the past, we've always kind of touted stranger danger - and it's not always the best terminology to use," said Brianna Proulx with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. "I think instead we can teach children how to be aware of their surroundings, and the circumstances and identify unsafe situations."

The Manassas City Police Department does not believe any other suspects were involved and stated there is no ongoing threat to the community. They have increased patrols at schools and bus stops.

The victim was taken to a hospital for evaluation but is expected to be physically okay.

Cabrera faces charges of abduction, robbery, impersonating a police officer, and petit larceny. He is due back in court on November 13.