Message for help scribbled by kidnapped girl/US Department of Justice
2023.07.22 Sat posted at 13:44 JST
(CNN) A 13-year-old kidnapped girl was rescued from a suspect’s car after telling passers-by a note saying “Help!” The girl’s quick actions led to the arrest of the suspect.
Texas resident Stephen Robert Sablan, 61, faces federal kidnapping charges. Earlier this month, the suspect held a gun on a girl walking on a sidewalk in San Antonio, Calif.
Sablan allegedly told the girl, “If you don’t get in the car with me, you’re going to get hurt,” according to court documents.
Sablan allegedly drove the girl from Texas to California and repeatedly sexually assaulted her along the way.
Sablan was indicted by a federal grand jury this week on charges of transporting a minor with intent to kidnap and commit a sex crime. The Justice Department announced on the 20th that an arraignment is scheduled to be held by the end of the month.
According to police, the girl presented Sablan with a note saying “Help!” Someone saw this and reported it. When local police arrived on the scene, she said the girl was “visibly upset and hurt”.
A black air gun, switchblade and handcuffs were found in the suspect’s car, according to a federal affidavit.
If convicted on both charges, Sablan could face up to life in prison.
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2023-07-22 04:44:00
