Adult teen arrested for attempted rape on minor

NORTH HILLS—A local high school student is in custody after taking romantic rejection too far. Eighteen year old Jesus Gabriel Lares was arrested after attempting to rape a 17-year-old victim at Valley High School.

According to a LAPD press release, Lares reportedly attacked his victim by grabbing her by the arm as she was leaving the girls’ bathroom and pushing her into the boys bathroom before shutting the door behind them. He then attempted to kiss and disrobe her until one of Lares’ friends knocked on the door. This caught the attention of a teacher, who asked why Lares and the victim were both in the boys’ bathroom. Once Lares’ and the victim were separated, the victim revealed the nature of the incident.

Valley High School is a continuation school dedicated to graduating every student or getting them on the mainstream track

According to Lt. Paul Vernon, commanding officer of the Mission Detectives Divison, an earlier encounter set up the events that followed.

“What makes Lares’ intentions more egregious was how he came on to the victim during the school lunch break and how she clearly rebuffed him by saying she had a boyfriend,” said Lt. Vernon “And if he had not been forward enough, what he did after lunch, really raised the stakes.”

Both Lares and the victim were clients of Penny Lane, a children’s social services facility, which also includes Valley High School, a private continuation school for grades 7 through 12.

While a potential rape was prevented, Lt. Vernon did not want to lessen any of the seriousness surrounding the case.

The girl was not physically injured, but she was clearly upset by the surprise attack,” said Lt. Vernon  “Moving a victim during a crime and holding her against her will is enough to constitute kidnapping. Injury or not, this is a very serious crime.”

Anyone with information on this crime is urged to call Detective Luz Montero, Mission Sex Unit, at (818) 838-75. Anonymous tips can be called into Crimestoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477), or by texting 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters “LAPD.” Online tips may be placed at www.LAPDOnline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.

Read More:

CBS Los Angeles: Student, 18, Arrested For Kidnapping, Attempted Rape Of 17-Year-Old Classmate

KABC-TV: Valley High School student arrested for sexual assault on campus