Rideshare Driver Kidnapped And Sexually Assaulted Child, LAPD Alleges

LOS ANGELES, CA — A 37-year-old rideshare driver arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a child may have additional victims, the Los Angeles Police Department announced Monday.

The Los Angeles Police Department’s Juvenile Division detectives announced the arrest of 37-year-old Jonh Erik Bastidas Arenas Monday and released his photo while calling for additional victims to come forward. Arenas has been a driver for multiple rideshare companies since 2021.

According to LAPD Officer Mike Lopez, Arenas pulled up next to a 13-year-old victim who was walking in the area of Gilmore Street and Sylmar Avenue in Van Nuys on Aug. 13 and ordered the child into his vehicle.

"The suspect opened the passenger door of the car, displayed a weapon, and directed the victim to enter his vehicle. Out of fear, the victim complied with his demand," detectives said in a written statement. "While inside the vehicle, the suspect sexually assaulted the victim. The victim eventually escaped and fled on foot."

According to the LAPD, detectives were able to locate surveillance video of the incident and identified a suspect's vehicle. Using the vehicle’s information, detectives identified a possible suspect, who was later positively identified by the victim, according to the LAPD.

On Thursday, Arenas was arrested, and the Los Angeles District Attorney's Office filed felony charges including lewd act with force or fear and enhancements including kidnapping and knife allegations.

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