LAPD Seeking Additional Victims After Rideshare Sex Assault Involving 13-Year-Old Girl

Sep 27, 2022

A rideshare driver has been arrested following allegations of violently sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in August, according to a KTLA report. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) is currently seeking the public’s assistance in identifying any additional victims who may have been harmed by the suspect.

On Saturday, LAPD authorities arrested 37-year-old Jonh Erik Bastidas Arenas in connection to an August armed sexual assault of a minor, KTLA confirmed.

According to the LAPD, the victim was walking home in the area of Gilmore Street and Sylmar Avenue, near Van Nuys Elementary School, on August 13 when the suspect drove up in a 2021 white Toyota Prius.

Police say the suspect then “opened the passenger door of the Prius, brandished a weapon, and directed the victim to enter the car,” according to an ABC 7 Los Angeles report.

“Out of fear, the victim complied with his demand,” LAPD officials said in a news release. “While inside the vehicle, the suspect sexually assaulted the victim.”

LAPD investigators further confirmed that the victim was eventually able to escape on foot and notified police.

“Investigators reviewed surveillance video footage from the area and identified Arenas as a suspect, and the victim later confirmed Arenas was the attacker,” LAPD officials said.

Police arrested Arenas on Thursday. He was booked into the LAPD Van Nuys Community Police Station jail, ABC 7 reported. Investigators reportedly discovered Arenas “had been employed as a contract driver for multiple rideshare services since September 2021,” according to ABC 7.

Following his arrest, Arenas was charged with kidnapping and sexual assault related charges.

LAPD investigators are seeking additional victims of Arenas’ and are urging anyone with information on a possible sexual assault to contact them at 818-374-5415.

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