A kidnapped Texas teen rescued by Good Samaritans in California after waving a 'help me' sign
After flashing a "help me" letter to onlookers and allegedly being kidnapped, sexually assaulted, and taken on a road trip, a 13-year-old Texas girl was found safe in California.
According to a statement from the U.S. Attorney's Office, Steven Robert Sablan, 61, of Cleburne, Texas, was charged in the indictment with one count each of abduction and transporting a minor intending to engage in criminal sexual behavior. On July 31, he is due to be arraigned in the heart of Los Angeles, California.
The juvenile victim was reportedly walking in San Antonia, Texas, on July 6 when Sablan allegedly held a black revolver to his side and told the youngster to get inside his vehicle, according to the indictment and affidavit.
According to court records, the 61-year-old started driving and offered to take the girl on a cruise ship so she could visit her buddy in Australia.
The adolescent claims that Sablan instructed her to " do something for him first."
The adult is then accused of raping the woman while traveling from Texas to California after sexually assaulting her.
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On July 9, Sablan stopped his car in Long Beach, California, left the victim in the vehicle, and proceeded inside a laundromat to wash their clothes. Officials claim that the teen victim scrawled "help me" on a scrap of paper in an effort to get someone's attention while her attacker was preoccupied.
When the Long Beach Police Department came, they discovered Sablan outside the car when a witness spotted and reported the child. The teen allegedly mouthed "help" to authorities from within.
Officers discovered a black BB gun, a "Help me" sign, and a pair of handcuffs during a vehicle check.
Sablan was apprehended, and investigators soon determined that the victim had gone missing in Texas.
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"I want to commend our community members for their vigilance and willingness to get involved by calling 9-1-1," said Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish in a statement. "This incident emphasizes the critical role that members of the community play in keeping people safe." I'd also like to thank our officers for their quick response and actions that resulted in this victim's safety."