Tucson's Midvale Park Terror: Attempted Abduction Thwarted as Suspect Is Caught

TUCSON, AZ — A 30-year-old man was arrested in Tucson’s Midvale Park neighborhood following an attempted abduction and assault of two 12-year-old girls on April 16, 2025. The incident sent shockwaves through the community and led to a swift and coordinated response by the Tucson Police Department (TPD) and local residents.

### The Incident

The alarming events unfolded on the afternoon of April 16, when two young girls, both aged 12, were walking home after getting off their school bus. The girls, who were walking together near South Springbrook and West Maplewood drives in the Midvale Park area, were approached by a man later identified as Jesse H. Howlett.

Howlett reportedly grabbed one of the girls by the arm, attempting to pull her away. In a terrifying moment, the girl managed to break free from his grasp, but Howlett did not stop there. He immediately approached the second girl, grabbing her by the side and allegedly hugging her inappropriately. Both girls, frightened and confused, ran home immediately after the encounter and informed their mothers about what had happened.

In a critical and courageous move, one of the mothers was able to witness Howlett fleeing the scene. The mother saw him jump over a wall and run into a nearby desert wash, and she was able to capture a photo of the suspect during his escape. This photograph would later prove to be a key piece of evidence in identifying Howlett and leading to his arrest.

### Law Enforcement Response and Arrest

The Tucson Police Department was alerted quickly after the girls returned home and informed their families. The police began investigating the incident, taking statements from the victims and their families, and working on leads to identify the suspect. Thanks to the photo taken by the mother, the TPD began to gather information on Howlett’s whereabouts.

The following morning, a local resident recognized the suspect in the photo shared by the mother on social media. Acting on this tip, TPD officers were able to track down Howlett in a desert area near South Mahan Drive and West Drexel Road, not far from the location of the attempted abduction. Officers arrested Howlett without incident, and he was immediately taken into custody for questioning.

### The Suspect’s Confession

During questioning, Howlett allegedly admitted to his actions and expressed remorse for his behavior. According to police reports, Howlett acknowledged that his actions were “totally wrong” and admitted to touching the bodies of both girls inappropriately. He even confessed that he thought it would be “funny” to engage in such behavior. Howlett also admitted to grabbing one of the girls by the breast, acknowledging the seriousness of his actions.

Howlett was charged with several serious offenses, including attempted kidnapping, aggravated assault, and sexual abuse. Given the nature of the charges, Howlett is facing significant legal consequences. He is currently being held on a $50,000 bond, and the case is still under investigation by the Tucson Police Department.

### Legal Implications and Community Reaction

The attempted abduction and assault have raised concerns about the safety of children in the community. Tucson residents have expressed their relief and gratitude for the swift response by the police and the courageous actions of the victims and their families. The community’s role in identifying Howlett and aiding in his capture has been widely praised.

Tucson Police Chief, Sarah Baldwin, stated, “This case is a prime example of the power of community collaboration. The swift action of the victims, their families, and the public played a significant role in ensuring the suspect was apprehended quickly and that the community remained safe.”

Howlett’s arrest serves as a reminder to parents and guardians about the importance of educating children on personal safety. Authorities encourage parents to speak with their children about how to respond if they are approached by strangers, as well as the importance of staying alert in public spaces.

### Moving Forward: Prevention and Safety

The Tucson Police Department has reiterated the importance of ongoing vigilance when it comes to keeping children safe from potential threats. They have also encouraged parents to educate their children about how to identify dangerous situations and what to do if approached by strangers. The police have further recommended that children be accompanied by an adult or trusted individual whenever possible, especially in areas that are not heavily trafficked.

In addition to the police’s safety measures, the community’s active involvement in identifying and reporting suspicious activity continues to be crucial in maintaining public safety. TPD has advised residents to remain alert and to report any suspicious behavior immediately.

As the case moves through the legal system, Howlett will likely face a long process in court. The community remains hopeful that justice will be served and that the victims will find some sense of closure after this traumatic experience.

### Conclusion

The attempted abduction of two young girls in Tucson’s Midvale Park neighborhood was a frightening event that could have had far worse consequences. Thanks to the quick actions of the victims, their families, and the community, the suspect, Jesse H. Howlett, was swiftly apprehended and is facing multiple serious charges. His arrest serves as a reminder of the importance of community vigilance and law enforcement collaboration in protecting public safety. Authorities continue to investigate the case, and any additional information related to Howlett’s actions is being urged to come forward. The Tucson Police Department remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the city’s residents and will continue to work hard to prevent such incidents in the future.