Deputies on lookout for possible Empire kidnap suspect

Stanislaus County sheriff’s detectives are looking for a kidnap suspect who eluded deputies this morning in Empire, authorities said.

Michael Roger Bruce, 47, of Empire is wanted on suspicion of kidnapping a woman twice last month before releasing her, according to sheriff’s Capt. Tim Beck. Bruce reportedly had a relationship with the victim.

Beck said a deputy on patrol in Empire saw Bruce walking on C Street this morning. Bruce saw the deputy and tried to cover his face before he ran.

Numerous deputies, along with law enforcement officers from nearby agencies, helped set up a perimeter around the area where he was spotted and began searching houses and back yards.

Beck said four schools — Glick Middle School, Stroud and Empire elementaries, and Aspire Vanguard College Preparation School — were placed on lockdown shortly after the incident began at 10:11 a.m.

About 90 minutes later, and with no sign of Bruce, the perimeter was removed.

Bruce is described as white, 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 205 pounds with brown hair and blue eyes, Beck said.

Beck said Bruce allegedly tried kidnapping the woman March 10, but then released her. After she reported him to police, he found her the next day and beat her, according to Beck.

At some point last week, Beck said Bruce allegedly confronted the woman on a street, grabbed her by the arm and forced her into a back yard. He held her there from four to six hours before letting her leave.

Beck described Bruce as a parolee who had been “assaultive toward law enforcement.”

“This is just preliminary and still under investigation,” Beck said. “Right now, the goal is to get this guy off the street.”

This story was originally published April 5, 2011 at 3:18 PM with the headline "Deputies on lookout for possible Empire kidnap suspect."