Police in Long Beach, California have successfully rescued a 13-year-old girl who was kidnapped, thanks to a observant passerby who spotted her “Help Me!” sign and immediately notified authorities. CNN reports that the girl was found visibly distressed in a vehicle parked outside a laundromat. It was discovered that she had been kidnapped in San Antonio, Texas three days prior to her rescue on July 9. Tragically, during the drive from Texas to California, she was repeatedly sexually assaulted by the suspect, Steven Robert Sablan, aged 61. Sablan, a resident of Cleburne, Texas, was standing by the car when police arrived and was swiftly apprehended.
According to the AP, Sablan was indicted by a federal grand jury on charges of kidnapping and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. An FBI agent stated in an affidavit that Sablan had approached the girl on July 6 while she was walking near a bus stop, brandishing a gun, and threatening her with harm unless she got into his vehicle. When he was apprehended, Sablan was found to have handcuffs in his pocket, while additional handcuffs, a switchblade, and a black handgun (later identified as a BB gun) were found in the vehicle.
Long Beach Police Chief Wally Hebeish commended the community members who called 911, stating, “I want to commend our community members for their vigilance and willingness to get involved by calling 911. This incident highlights the critical role community members play in keeping people safe.” (Read more kidnapping stories.)
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