OAKLAND, CA — A 36-year-old homeless man from Oakland was arrested after being accused of trying to kill a teenager he was trafficking, police said.
Shiloh Stuart was arrested on suspicion of human trafficking, pimping or pandering, criminal threats and attempted murder, the Salinas Police Department said.
It's unclear when Stuart and the teen met, or when the alleged trafficking began.
Salinas police say they were investigating the teen's disappearance after her family told them she could be in the area.
On Thursday, Sept. 10, the teenager called 911 to report that Stuart had severely assaulted her, police said.
When officers found the girl, she was seriously injured, prompting investigators to believe Shiloh was trying to kill her, police said.
The teen was taken to a hospital where she was treated before being released to her family, police said.
With the help of U.S. Marshals, detectives located Stuart in Oakland, police said.
"Cases involving the exploitation and abuse of young people are among the most difficult our investigators encounter," police said. "We are grateful to the U.S. Marshals Service for their assistance in locating and apprehending the suspect, and to everyone who helped bring this young victim home to her family."
The Salinas Police Department asks that anyone else who believes Stuart may have victimized them contact the agency at 831-758-7321.
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