Laguna Beach Child Annoyance Suspect Arrested Halloween Now Freed

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A man arrested on suspicion of luring a Laguna Beach boy to his van Halloween night was released Wednesday morning, according to jail records.

Laguna Beach Police Department identified the now freed Gabriel Matthew Hernandez Stinnett, 19, in hopes of identifying additional victims during their ongoing investigation.

Stinnett, 19, was taken into custody Sunday night on suspicion of trying to lure a 13-year-old boy inside his gray Honda Odyssey van with the offer of candy, Laguna Beach Police Chief Jeff Calvert reported.

This is not the first time that Stinnett has been singled out, according to the Laguna Beach Police Department.

Police identified Stinnett as a suspect often seen "hanging around Laguna Beach High School with no legitimate purpose, and allegedly harassing and annoying children under the age of 18."

Investigators are seeking additional suspects and are actively investigating claims against Stinnett.

Anyone who has had contact with Stinnett or has additional information is asked to contact Cpl. Fred Yielding at fyeilding@lagunabeachcity.net or 949-464-6687.