Arrested: Javier Ortiz, 26, Ontario, OR

Charges: Assault-Aggravated (F), Kidnapping-Second Degree Not for Ransom (F)

On Saturday, July 11, 2026, at 10:55 p.m., dispatch received a report of someone screaming along the north side of the Boise River Greenbelt near S. Ferguson St. Evidence indicates an adult female victim was walking alone on the path when the suspect, later identified as Javier Ortiz, approached her from behind, physically assaulted her and pulled her off the path. Two uninvolved residents in the area heard the victim screaming and called 911. One of those residents went to figure out what was happening, found the victim and Ortiz, and immediately intervened. Ortiz ran away traveling westbound on the Greenbelt.

Responding patrol officers set a perimeter and began an area search. At 11:02 p.m., officers located a subject matching the suspect description just west of the Broadway Bridge in Julia Davis Park and he was taken into custody. Detectives from the Boise Police Violent Crimes Unit and Special Victims Unit responded to the scene and following an investigation, Ortiz was booked into the Ada County Jail on the listed charges. The victim was treated for injuries on scene and transported to the hospital for further evaluation.

The Boise Police Department will continue with increased patrols along the Boise River Greenbelt and surrounding parks at all hours. Police continue to remind everyone using the Greenbelt to remain aware of their surroundings and to take common-sense safety precautions. While walking, running, or riding along the Greenbelt at night is permitted, we always recommend taking routes with good lighting, visibility and avoiding isolated areas.

Remember to always: 

• Stay alert and aware. Avoid wearing headphones or using anything that limits your ability to observe your surroundings.
• When possible, travel with another person or a group of people.
• Know your route and have an alternative plan.
• Carry your cell phone and make sure it’s charged.
• Tell someone where you are going and when you will return. If you have a trusted friend or family member, share your location with them.
• If you see something concerning or suspicious, report it to police using Ada County non-emergency dispatch at (208)377-6790.
• If you see something dangerous or witness a crime in progress, get to a safe location and call 911 immediately.