Merchant arrested in attempted murder Merchant arrested in attempted murder (August 03, 2005)

A Menlo Park merchant is in jail charged with several felonies after allegedly trying to have a coworker killed for rebuffing his advances, the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office reported July 26.

Ricardo Zambrano, 36, of Fresno, who owned a small jewelry store inside Mi Rancho Market on Willow Road, is charged with attempted murder, kidnapping with the intent to commit rape, and kidnapping in the commission of a carjacking in connection with the woman's June 10 abduction.

The victim was an employee of the store, who reportedly rebuffed Mr. Zambrano's romantic advances, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.

The victim was kidnapped at gunpoint as she left work and driven to Fresno. The victim escaped with the help of another person at the Fresno residence, Mr. Wagstaffe said.

The alleged kidnapper, an acquaintance of Mr. Zambrano's, was arrested shortly after the crime. Mr. Zambrano was arrested in Fresno on July 22 and was due to enter a plea this week.

-- Report by Bay City News

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