Two men charged with child felony abduction
Press Release
Davidson County NC-On Monday, May 4, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Detectives with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Davidson County Sheriff’s Office were notified by the Davidson County Department of Social Services (DSS) of a reported child abandonment involving a 14-year-old female juvenile. The juvenile was last reportedly seen on Saturday, May 2, 2026, by an anonymous reporter, in Davidson County. During that encounter, the reporter observed suspicious circumstances and contacted DSS, which subsequently notified the Sheriff’s Office, on May 4th.
Detectives responded to the location where the reporter had contact with the juvenile. Upon arrival, they contacted Samir Ruiz, age 40, of Lexington, North Carolina NC, who stated he was unaware of the juvenile and that he lived alone at the residence. Detectives observed suspicious behavior and circumstances. As the investigation progressed, Detectives developed probable cause to obtain a search warrant for the residence located at 12 Meadow Way Drive, in Lexington.
At approximately 11:00 p.m., Detectives and Deputies executed the search warrant at 12 Meadow Way Drive, Lexington, NC. Inside the residence, they located a second adult, identified as Rafael Quiroz-Merino, 40, along with the missing 14-year-old juvenile, who was found hiding inside. The juvenile was unharmed and appeared to be in good-health, but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation with assistance from Davidson County Department of Social Services.
It was determined that there was no known relationship between Ruiz, Quiroz-Merino and the child. Detectives arrested and charged both individuals, on May 4th. Samir Ruiz was charged with felony abduction of a child and obstruction of justice and is being held without bond at the Davidson County Detention Center. Rafael Quiroz-Merino was charged with felony abduction of a child and is also being held without bond at the Davidson County Detention Center.
The Davidson County Sheriff’s Office appreciates the assistance and collaboration of the Davidson County Department of Social Services and the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office during this investigation. This case remains open and is ongoing and no further details will be released at this time.
Per North Carolina General Statute 15A-532, Judicial officials determine conditions for the release of persons in Judicial proceedings. Bond amounts are not set by members of law enforcement. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
