The San Luis Obispo County Sheriff's Department is asking for help in the investigation of a Santa Maria man facing an attempted kidnapping charge.
Investigators say 41-year-old Jose Martinez is suspected of trying to kidnap a young woman on a trail near Pirate’s Cove in Avila Beach Monday.
The following day three women reported seeing a man fitting Martinez’s description masturbating in the parking lot at Pirate’s Cove.
A deputy patrolling the area encountered Martinez and arrested him Wednesday.
Investigators are asking anyone who may have seen Martinez in the area to contact the sheriff's department at 805-781-4550.