Oregon man arrested for sexually assaulting and kidnapping Fresno girl, police say

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- An Oregon man is facing several charges for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl in Fresno.

Police arrested 51-year-old James Ellis back on December 30.

Officers say he had contacted the girl through a social media app about a month ago before making plans to meet up with her over the weekend.

He picked up the victim from her home and took her to a parking lot, where police say he assaulted her.

A family member tracked her location through her cell phone, and found Ellis's vehicle.

Ellis then drove off with the girl, eventually dropping her off at a gas station when he realized the family member was following him.

Police later found his car and arrested Ellis on kidnapping and sexual assault charges.

He has since been released on bail, but invesigators released his photo in the interest of public interest.

They say he is known to travel to California often for work.