Cranston Man Charged With Providence Kidnapping Of Girl, 9

PROVIDENCE, RI — A Cranston man was arrested in connection with a kidnapping in Providence earlier this week, police said. Luis Martinez- Romero, 34, was arraigned Wednesday morning.

Martinez-Romero was charged with kidnapping a minor and second-degree sexual assault and arraigned in Sixth Division District Court.

The abduction happened Monday, around 3 p.m. A 9-year-old girl was taken after leaving her school bus in Providence. She was later set free nearby.

In response to the incident, Providence police encouraged parents to remind children to always be aware of their surrounding and be wary of approaching adults of vehicles they aren't familiar with.