GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — A man has been charged in an incident involving a Grand Rapids Public Schools (GRPS) student on Tuesday, Nov. 19.
According to the Grand Rapids Police Department (GRPD), 25-year-old Marquis Martinez has been charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct and kidnapping.
GRPD said around 7 a.m. on Tuesday officers were dispatched to the area of Ball Avenue NE and Bradford Street NE.
Police said Martinez had reportedly grabbed a 12-year-old girl while she was waiting at the bus stop. According to GRPD, he then allegedly dragged her across the street and attempted to sexually assault her.
The girl was able to escape and ran home. Her mother contacted the police, and GRPD said a short time later Martinez was found and taken into custody.
On Tuesday, parents and guardians of GRPS students received a letter about the incident. The district told all families and staff that a "deeply concerning" incident had happened involving a student.
The letter from GRPS to families said, in part:
"Please know that safety is our top priority. While this incident and a prior report of a suspicious person earlier this year are not believed to be connected, they serve as important reminders for us all to prioritize safety practices. We encourage families to discuss safety practices with their children, such as staying alert, traveling in groups when possible, and reporting any suspicious activity immediately.
As a community, we can take small steps to enhance safety. For example, leaving porch lights on in the morning hours can provide additional visibility for scholars walking to bus stops or school."
Anyone with additional information about the incident is asked to contact GRPD Family Services detectives at (616) 456-3380. Tips can also be sent anonymously through Silent Observer at (616) 774-2345.