x
Breaking News
More () »

Suspect in two attempted kidnappings in Mission Valley Mall makes first appearance in court

Arturo Lujan, 42, pleaded not guilty to two counts of attempted kidnapping.

SAN DIEGO — The man accused in two different kidnapping attempts outside the Mission Valley mall was in court for his arraignment Tuesday.

42-year-old Arturo Lujan pleaded not guilty to two counts of attempted kidnapping

Deputy district attorney Eva Kilamyan told CBS 8 her office is still going over all the evidence and could potentially file stronger charges as this case moves forward.

"We do believe there are other victims out there based on the fact there were two incidents close in time. We are still investigating and finding out more information, and so it’s possible charges could change in the future especially if we find other victims.” 

Prosecutors say Lujan grabbed one six-year-old girl on June 18 and a five-year-old girl two days later.

In the first case, the victim was walking outside Buffalo Wild Wings with her mom who was pushing a stroller with her little brother inside, when Lujan reportedly picked her up.

In the other, Lujan allegedly grabbed a girl outside the "Inflatable World" parking lot and tried to put her in his car.

In that case, an employee of "Inflatable World" named Jasmine is being credited with helping save that little girl.

Her manager shared details with CBS 8 about what happened, saying they were inside the ticket booth when Jasmine saw Lujan grab the girl.

“She saw something going on. And she said ‘kid’ in an excited manner, and didn't get to finish the sentence. She came bolting out of the trailer. I went around to see what was going on. I looked up and there she was grabbing a girl right from the man's hand, so she saw that was going on. So, she was right on top of it, being able to grab him from her his grasp. I grabbed the other two gals, made sure that they weren't going out in the parking lot. He took off and ran away. His back door was open in the back seat, and then the car was running, so he had every intention of grabbing and going," said Kim Miller.

Lujan faces four years and 10 months in prison.

He's due back in court July 3.

He is being held without bail.

In court, the judge said he believes if Lujan were released, there's substantial likelihood it would result in great bodily harm to others.

WATCH RELATED: Man charged with two kidnappings at Mission Valley Mall

Before You Leave, Check This Out