Two men were cited Wednesday afternoon in the Ripon City Council chambers for their bravery in taking down a suspect armed with a shotgun who they witnessed assaulting a young woman near the Ripon bike bridge.

Ripon officers responded to frantic 911 calls in the 600 block of Parallel Avenue regarding reports of a man attempting to kidnap and rape a woman at gunpoint some 18 months ago.

In presenting the awards Ripon Chief Ed Ormonde said, “Grant and Logan took actions to save their friend who was being assaulted at gunpoint.  They are to be commended for their actions during this encounter.”.

Grant Widmer of Lathrop and Logan Miller of Oakdale both went to the aid of the victim and wrestled a sawed-off shotgun away from the suspect and they were able to subdue him until Ripon patrol officers arrived on the scene near Highway 99 within minutes.

The suspect, 35-year-old Jose Vasquez Sanchez, of Hughson, has since been convicted in San Joaquin Superior Court and sentenced to 16 years in state prison for accosting the young female in the parking lot of the Ripon Bike Bridge while she was with a group of friends.

Police said Sanchez demanded sex from the victim as he retrieved the shotgun from his vehicle and chased the young woman, eventually holding her at gunpoint while assaulting her to comply with his demands. 

To contact Glenn Kahl,  email gkahl@mantecabulletin.com.