ORLANDO, FL – A 41-year-old man is facing serious charges following an alleged incident involving the abduction and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. The suspect, Luis Manuel Frias Jr., was apprehended earlier today after the victim’s courageous efforts significantly aided law enforcement in tracking him down.
The ordeal began on January 13 when the young girl was walking to school in an area bustling with morning activity, near West Oak Ridge Road and Brookgreen Avenue. According to police reports, Frias allegedly approached her, claiming he had just dropped off his niece at school and offered her a ride. Instead of taking her to school, Frias reportedly drove her to a neighborhood in Tangelo Park, where he parked the car, locked the doors, and turned off her phone.
What unfolded next was a traumatic experience for the young girl, who reported being sexually assaulted before being dropped off at Shingle Creek Trail. Despite the harrowing experience, the victim demonstrated remarkable bravery, recounting the incident to her stepmother and later to detectives. Her detailed recollection of the suspect and the route taken was instrumental in the investigation.
Residents in the vicinity, familiar with the usual morning scene of children on bikes or walking, expressed their shock at the incident. One resident noted the presence of law enforcement in the area earlier this week, parked conspicuously in front of the house where authorities believe the suspect took the victim.
Through surveillance footage from nearby homes and the area where the girl was initially picked up, detectives were able to identify the suspect’s vehicle. This evidence led them to Frias, who now faces multiple charges, including kidnapping and sexual battery.
The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has voiced concerns that Frias may have attempted similar acts with other individuals. They urge anyone with information to come forward, stressing the importance of community vigilance in preventing such incidents.
As the community grapples with the unsettling news, the impact on the young victim remains a poignant reminder of the long-term effects of such trauma. Authorities are committed to ensuring justice is served and preventing future occurrences.