PHOENIX — Phoenix police have identified a suspect accused of kidnapping and molesting a 5-year-old girl before a patrol officer spotted his car and helped rescue the child.
Larry Jon Ladwig, 45, was booked into jail early Saturday on charges of kidnapping, sexual molestation of a child, aggravated assault of a police officer and felony flight. It’s unclear whether Ladwig has a lawyer.
The girl was rescued about9:30 p.m. Friday, more than seven hours after police believe Ladwig kidnapped her while she was playing outside a Phoenix apartment building.
Police said the girl is doing well and called her rescue a “Christmas miracle.”
Front Section, Pages 5 on 12/27/2009