California police have arrested a man accused of attempting to kidnap two young girls at the same San Diego mall within days of each other. Arturo Rene Lujan, 42, was apprehended after a license plate reader helped police track down his vehicle following the second incident.
The first incident occurred on Tuesday at the Westfield Mission Valley Mall. A man followed a mother with her 6-year-old daughter and 8-month-old son in a stroller. Around 1:30 p.m., the suspect grabbed the girl and tried to walk away. Her mother quickly intervened when the girl cried out, forcing the man to release her. He then claimed he had mistaken her for someone else and fled. The mother reported the incident to security at Target before contacting the police.
On Thursday, another attempted kidnapping was reported at the same location. Around 2 p.m., a man grabbed a 5-year-old girl near Inflatable World in the parking lot and attempted to force her into a vehicle. An employee heard the girl’s screams and intervened, causing the suspect to flee. Police used the description of the suspect’s black vehicle to locate and stop a black 2013 Chevy Volt near Downtown San Diego two hours later. The vehicle matched the license plate and description from the incidents.
Lt. Daniel Meyer confirmed that Lujan was charged with both kidnapping attempts. Despite no physical injuries, the children involved were deeply traumatized by the events. Meyer assured that the county provides numerous resources to support crime victims.
Lujan is being held without bail and is scheduled for arraignment in front of the San Diego Superior Court. This case highlights the quick actions of bystanders and the effectiveness of modern technology in preventing serious crimes and bringing perpetrators to justice.
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Author: Editor
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