Good Samaritan Rescues 13-Year-Old Girl After She Was Allegedly Kidnapped and Sexually Assaulted in Texas

A 13-year-old girl from Texas was rescued in California after she was allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted by her abductor. The girl, who was not identified, was kidnapped at gunpoint near a bus stop in San Antonio on July 6, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Thursday.

The girl was able to catch the attention of a stranger with a makeshift “help me” sign, which ultimately led to her rescue. Steven Robert Sablan, 61, of Cleburne, Texas, has been charged with kidnapping and transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.

According to a federal complaint, the 13-year-old was walking down the street to a bus stop in San Antonio when she was approached by Sablan in a silver Nissan. The complaint states that Sablan then forced the girl into his car and drove her to California.

The girl was able to escape from Sablan’s car and find help by creating a sign that said “Help me” and holding it up to passing cars. A good Samaritan saw the sign and contacted the authorities, who were able to locate the girl and arrest Sablan.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office has charged Sablan with one count of kidnapping and one count of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. The girl is now safe and the investigation is ongoing.