Teacher, 34, Accused Of Kidnapping 3 Students After Asking Them For Ride
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Altadena Station says a 34-year-old high school teacher kidnapped three juveniles on Saturday evening after asking them for a ride.
John Edward Maust is now behind bars, authorities said.
Officials allege that on Saturday around 9:35 p.m., three juveniles were driving in the area of Genesha Avenue and East Mariposa Street in Altadena.
The students said they noticed Maust, one of their teacher's standing on the sidewalk, apparently intoxicated.
They said Maust asked for a ride and they agreed.
During the ride, the students said Maust began to say things that got them worried and they pulled over. The students said they got out of the vehicle, but Maust ordered them back in and said he wanted to "go to a Jack in the Box."
The three students said they feared for their safety and got back into the car. At this time, they said the teacher pulled a knife on them.
During the alleged kidnapping, one of the juveniles was able to call 911. Shortly after, the teacher allegedly heard a LASD helicopter overhead, and ordered the driver to stop. The teacher then got out of the car and fled the location.
The suspect walked into Altadena Sheriff's Station lobby on Sunday afternoon where he surrendered without incident, detectives said.
Maust was arrested for kidnapping, false imprisonment, and criminal threats. He was booked at Crescenta Valley Station and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the LASD Altadena Station Detective Bureau, Detective Taylor at (626)798-1131.
