Tucson Amber Alert suspects have criminal history, may be in Mexico

PHOENIX — Investigators found evidence that a couple wanted for tying a caseworker to a tree and kidnapping their two young children Friday crossed the border into Mexico.

In addition, Tucson Police Sgt. Pete Dugan told KTAR News 92.3 FM on Monday, Luis and Andrea Ramirez were arraigned on 20 counts of sexual exploitation of a minor two days earlier. The child in that case wasn’t theirs.

“Not only do they have this history, but they assaulted this caseworker knowing that we’re going to find out who they are,” Dugan said.

“Anyone who would do something like that, that’s a huge red flag to us and we’re definitely concerned for the children’s welfare.”

Dugan said felony arrest warrants were issued for both parents for two counts of domestic violence kidnapping and one count of kidnapping in reference to the caseworker.

The incident occurred when the non-custodial parents were having a supervised visit with 5-year-old Luis Ramirez Jr. and 6-month-old Kahmila Ramirez under the watch of a Department of Child Safety case aide at Silverlake Park in Tucson.

Luis Ramirez threatened the worker with a Taser before tying her to a tree and fleeing with the family in a green 1996 Toyota Camry. A passerby found the worker 30 minutes to an hour later, untied her and called 911, Dugan said, and an Amber Alert was issued.

Officers in Nogales, Arizona, for Saturday’s funeral of a slain police officer were asked to look around, and they located the vehicle near the border.

They searched the car after getting a warrant and found evidence that Luis Ramirez shaved his beard and possibly his mustache.

Dugan asked anybody with information in regard to the whereabouts of the parents or children to call 88-CRIME, which can be done anonymously, or 911.

“We believe that there’s friends or family members or somebody who may possibly know where they’re at,” Dugan said.

The children and parents all have black hair and brown eyes.

The boy was last seen wearing a gray and white striped polo shirt with khaki shorts. He is 3-foot-3 and weighs 35 pounds. His sister, who weighs 14 pounds, was wearing a white onesie with yellow ruffles.

The father, who is 5-foot-6 and weighs 200 pounds, was last seen wearing a red and white polo shirt with blue jeans.

The mother, who is 5-foot-1 and 195 pounds, was last seen wearing a white shirt with blue jeans with her hair in a bun.

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