Victoria County Sheriff Justin Marr’s disturbing press release revealed details that shocked the entire Crossroads community. According to the release, deputies are investigating a disturbing incident involving a 13-year-old girl who was nearly kidnapped and assaulted.
Just after 1 a.m. on May 16, 2025, someone requested a welfare check near the 900 block of US Highway 59 South after noticing a dirt bike abandoned on the side of the road. When deputies arrived, they discovered the girl walking down the highway, waving for help.
It turned out that she had left home on her dirt bike, which had broken down near US Highway 87 South and FM 1686.
A man and a woman pulled over and offered to help, saying they’d get a vehicle to transport the bike. A short while later, the man returned alone, loaded the dirt bike, offered her a ride, and drove away with her.
That’s when things became terrifying. Instead of taking her to her destination, the man drove to a remote location alone with the young teen girl.
When he discovered the remote location, the man locked the doors and tried to sexually assault the victim. The teen acted heroically by thinking quickly and escaping.
Deputies apprehended the teen girl as she attempted to flee.
By 5:30 a.m., deputies had located the suspect, 32-year-old Emilio Hernandez-Ortiz III, and arrested him. He is now facing the charge of Aggravated Kidnapping. The investigation is still ongoing.
