Suspect Sought In Attempted Kidnapping, Sexual Assault On School Campus In Ontario
ONTARIO (CBSLA.com) — Police stepped up patrols around an Ontario school Wednesday after an attempted kidnapping on campus, authorities said.
Officers responded to a call around 9:45 p.m. on Jan. 16 near Chaffey High School located at 1245 North Euclid Avenue, according to an Ontario Police Department spokesperson.
Investigators say a 14-year-old girl had just attended band practice when a man approached and grabbed her on school grounds.
He then dragged the victim behind some bushes and struggled with the victim as he tried to remove her clothing, but was unsuccessful, police said.
When the victim broke free, she was seen being chased by the suspect by school personnel, who saw the victim running and came to her aide, according to police.
The suspect had already turned and fled away from campus when school officials encountered the victim, police said. He was last seen running towards 5th Street.
Margarida Leon and her husband Rafael, the girl's parents, said watching school security video from Saturday night of the suspect and their daughter is tough.
"It extremely painful watching the video, how she managed to fight for her life and her dignity," said Margarida.
Chaffey HS Principal George Maramala said extra patrols have been ongoing around the campus since the incident occurred, and school officials have reminded students to be aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious activity.
He's also asking students to "take their earbuds out and be aware where you're walking through."
Police described the suspect as a Hispanic male in his late 30s or early 40s, approximately 5'10" tall and weighing about 200 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.
He was last seen with a patchy unshaven beard and wearing a blue or gray long-sleeved hoodie with yellow writing on the sleeves, black jeans, and white athletic shoes.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Ontario Police Detective Naranjo at (909) 395-2764 or contact the Ontario Police Department at (909)395-2001. Information can also be reported anonymously by calling WE-TIP at (800) 78-CRIME or online at WeTip.com.
