21-Year-Old Arrested for Kidnapping Ex-Girlfriend Using Tracking Device

1900 block of 33rd Street Southeast, Ruskin, Florida, USA - In a chilling incident that underscores the serious and often hidden dangers of domestic violence, 21-year-old Julian Jaramillo has been arrested for kidnapping his ex-girlfriend in Ruskin, Florida. The events of this troubling case unfolded early on May 27th when Jaramillo used a tracking device secretly installed in the victim’s vehicle to locate her, according to West Orlando News.

Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office deputies were called to a residence in the 1900 block of 33rd Street Southeast after receiving reports of a possible kidnapping. Witnesses indicated that Jaramillo forcibly took the woman’s keys as she exited her home, then escalated the situation by forcing her into the trunk of her own vehicle. Afterward, he drove to his residence in Palmetto, where he allegedly held her against her will. Remarkably, the victim sustained only minor injuries during this ordeal.

The Arrest

Timely intervention by law enforcement was crucial in this situation. The Manatee County Sheriff’s Office was alerted to the potential kidnapping, leading to a traffic stop on Jaramillo as he attempted to leave his neighborhood with the victim still in her car. He now faces serious charges that include carjacking, kidnapping, domestic violence battery, and the illegal installation of a tracking device, as detailed by KOLO TV.

In light of these events, Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister highlighted the specific dangers that dominate domestic violence cases, especially when they escalate to threats of kidnapping. Jaramillo is currently booked at the Manatee County Jail, where he awaits extradition back to Hillsborough County for further proceedings.

The Bigger Picture

This harrowing incident is not an isolated case. In Florida alone, there were 106,515 documented instances of domestic violence as recently as 2020. These alarming numbers resulted in over 63,000 arrests, highlighting a persistent and troubling issue within the state, as noted by Florida Families. Sadly, many survivors of domestic violence either do not report their experiences or seek help due to fear, shame, or manipulation from their abusers.

The state’s certified domestic violence centers have helped thousands, providing critical services such as emergency shelter, safety planning, and counseling. In the fiscal year 2020-21, these centers offered over 412,000 nights of shelter to nearly 10,300 survivors and their children. It’s clear that while support exists, there is still a significant gap in the awareness and reporting of such cases.

This recent incident involving Julian Jaramillo serves as a stark reminder that domestic violence can manifest in dangerous and unpredictable ways. The ongoing investigation promises to shed more light on the complexities of this case, but more importantly, it highlights the urgent need for continued advocacy, support, and resources for victims of domestic violence everywhere.