A quick-thinking passerby in Southern California helped rescue an out-of-state kidnapping victim who was holding a “Help Me” sign in a car, the authors said Thursday.
The victim, a 13-year-old girl, was taken from a bus stop in San Antonio, Texas, Texas. Long Beach Police Department said in a news release. The girl was allegedly ordered into a car at gunpoint on 6 July.
On July 9, officers in Long Beach responded to a 911 call, finding the teen “visibly emotional and depressed.” Investigating officers found that the Good Samaritans were in a parking lot when they saw the victim in a parked car holding a note that read “Help Me”. Police said they “immediately” called 911.
Officers located and arrested the man suspected of kidnapping the teenage girl. He has been identified as 61-year-old Stephen Robert Sablan. Officials said he was in a nearby laundromat doing laundry when the boy wrote the sign. Police said they found the firearm that was used to kidnap the girl, a black BB pistol that “looks like a semi-automatic pistol”. They also found a pair of handcuffs inside the car.
Sablan was transferred to the Long Beach City Jail, where he was booked on charges of kidnapping, lewd and lascivious acts with a child, and fugitive from justice. According to the prison’s website, he was held on $100,000 bail, and released into FBI custody on July 11.
Sablan was He was indicted by a federal grand jury earlier this week He was charged with one count of kidnapping and one count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity, the California Central District Attorney’s Office said in a news release. He is scheduled to be arraigned July 31 in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles.
According to the office, Sablan allegedly asked the victim how old she was. When she mentioned that she had a boyfriend abroad, Sablan allegedly told the victim he could take her to a cruise ship to visit the friend, but that she had to do something for him first. The girl was allegedly subjected to repeated sexual assault during the three days Sablan held her, according to the office.
If convicted on both counts presented by a federal grand jury, Sablan could face life in prison.
The teen, who was a fugitive missing person, was placed in the custody of the San Antonio Department of Children and Family Services.
Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebesh paid tribute to the Good Samaritans who called 911.
“I want to commend our community members for their vigilance and willingness to participate by calling 9-1-1. This incident highlights the critical role that community members play in keeping people safe,” Hobeish said. “I would also like to express my appreciation to our officers for their prompt response and actions that led to this victim reaching safety.”
A similar incident occurred in South Carolina last month. The alleged kidnapping victim was rescued after A.J Police Officer Saw Her Mouth “Help Me” During a traffic stop in North Myrtle Beach.
Kerry Brain
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