Full Notification

Continuation School Student Arrested for Kidnapping Classmate

North Hills.  Los Angeles police officers arrested 18-year-old Jesus Gabriel Lares, yesterday afternoon, after a 17-year-old classmate reported that he pulled her into the boys’ bathroom and began assaulting her.  The arrest occurred at Valley High School immediately after the incident was reported.  Lares was booked for Kidnap with the Intent to Commit Rape and his bail was set at $1 million.

Lares and the victim are clients of Penny Lane, a children’s social services facility, which also includes Valley High School, a private continuation school for grades 7 through 12.

“What makes Lares’ intentions more egregious was how he came on to the victim during the school lunch break and how she clearly rebuffed him by saying she had a boyfriend,” said Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detective Division.  “And if he had not been forward enough, what he did after lunch, really raised the stakes.”

As the victim came out of the girls’ bathroom after lunch, Lares grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the boys’ bathroom, then closed the door behind her.  He began kissing the girl and trying to disrobe her.  His actions were interrupted when another student, a friend of Lares, knocked on the door.  A teacher also happened by and asked why both Lares and the victim had been in the boys’ bathroom.  The victim was able to eventually reveal what happened, once she was separated from Lares.

“The girl was not physically injured, but she was clearly upset by the surprise attack,”  Lt. Vernon added.  “Moving a victim during a crime and holding her against her will is enough to constitute kidnapping.  Injury or not, this is a very serious crime.”

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Luz Montero, Mission Sex Unit, at (818) 838-75.  Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone.  All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.”  Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

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