On June 7, 2020, Kern County Sheriff's Office deputies assigned to the Taft substation were dispatched to a weapons violation that occurred in Maricopa. During the investigation, it was determined that two Hispanic males attempted to kidnap a truck driver in the area at knifepoint. The Hispanic males demanded the driver transport them to Bakersfield. The driver got into her truck and drove off without injury. The driver later contacted the Sheriff’s Office to report the incident.
The Hispanic males were identified as MOSES ABEYTIA (20) and FELCIANO RAMIREZ (21), who reside in Santa Maria, California. Both suspects were located in Maricopa and arrested. ABEYTIA refused to give his name to deputies and RAMIREZ provided a false name. ABEYTIA and RAMIREZ were charged with attempted kidnapping and multiple misdemeanor charges. ABEYTIA and RAMIREZ were booked into the Kern County Jail and remain in custody.
On June 8, 2020, the Kern County Sheriff’s Office Communication Center received a notification that ABEYTIA had an active Ramey warrant for his arrest. The warrant was from the Santa Maria Police Department for attempted murder. Deputies were notified by dispatch and then contacted detectives with the Santa Maria Police Department. Deputies provided detectives with RAMIREZ’ information and RAMIREZ was identified as a person of interest in the attempted murder.
