A 57-year-old man in California is accused of kidnapping an 11-year-old girl who was searching for her lost dog, allegedly coaxing her into his van while posing as an animal control officer.
Guillermo Cascante was arrested earlier this week and charged with kidnapping and committing lewd and lascivious acts on a child through force or fear, according to authorities.
According to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, at 8:49 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 19, deputies from the Highland Station responded to an emergency call about a kidnapping near San Francisco Street and 14th Street in Highland, California, about 65 miles east of Los Angeles.
The caller informed the emergency dispatcher that an 11-year-old female was kidnapped by an adult male but was able to escape and return home.
“Through investigation, deputies learned the male suspect, Guillermo Cascante, was driving an older white ambulance style van and approached the victim while she was looking for her missing dog near San Francisco Street and 14th Street,” according to a news release. “Cascante pretended to work for Animal Control and offered to help the victim find her dog.”
The sadistic ruse worked, and the victim entered the vehicle, which Cascante drove away, according to authorities. Cascante allegedly assaulted the victim at gunpoint.
“While in the vehicle, Cascante produced a handgun, drove the victim around the city and molested her,” according to the statement. “Shortly after, Cascante pulled over near Cunningham Street and 9th Street and let the victim out of the van. The victim ran home, and the suspect fled the scene.”
Investigators canvassed the area and found a van that matched the description given by the alleged victim. It was parked near 18th and Guthrie Streets, just over a mile from the alleged abduction location.
On Wednesday, August 20, detectives executed a search warrant at a home in the 2000 block of East 18th Street where Cascante was found. He was taken into custody and booked into the West Valley Detention Center, where he is currently being held without bond.
Investigators released photos of Cascante and the van involved in the alleged abduction because they believe Cascante has victimized others.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about Cascante to contact the Highland Sheriff’s Station at (909) 425-9793.
