ESCONDIDO, Calif. (KGTV) - Edgar Gutierrez was booked into San Diego County jail in Vista after midnight Friday; after a 15-year-old girl reported an attempted abduction.
She told Escondido Police that she was walking down Linwood Street, on her way to Orange Glen High School Thursday morning. She said she had about a mile to go when a bushy-haired, bearded man grabbed her in a bear-hug. She fought him off and ran away. She’s described as scared but not physically hurt.
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The girl called to some people who were nearby; they followed the man and took a photo, which was published by Escondido Police and the school districts.
Soon people on Facebook were commenting; saying they recognized Edgar Gutierrez. He posted, "It's not me."
Police were on his trail, though, and had him in handcuffs before sundown.
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He was clean-shaven when arrested; speculation was quick that it was an attempt to avoid identification.
Gutierrez is 28; he was booked on felony charges of kidnapping with the intent to commit rape or robbery, kidnapping, and a misdemeanor count of annoying a child. There is no bail.
Gutierrez will stand before a judge for arraignment next week.
