Witnesses halt Dos Palos kidnapping attempt

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- A Dos Palos man was arrested Sunday after attempting to kidnap a woman, who was with her children, but was foiled by three witnesses who stepped in to help the woman, police say.

The Dos Palos Police Department arrested Ramon Saavedra, 25, for the kidnapping attempt near California Avenue and Santa Rita Street.

They say Saavedra had a court order to stay away from the woman, but he attempted to force her into his white Chevrolet pickup when the three witnesses intervened.

Saavedra was arrested after he was seen fleeing from the area when police arrived.

Police say the woman and her children are safe and were relieved at Saavedra's arrest.

The department issued a statement regarding the Good Samaritan's, stating, "Thank you to those three who stopped and got involved. Without your help, this could have turned out a differently."

Saavedra was reportedly armed, but police found no weapon.