SAN DIEGO — An arrest has been made in connection with a groping incident in Santee.
Authorities say the 12-year-old from Chett F. Harritt School was walking towards Big Rock Park on the 8100 of Arlette Street when a man approached her and inappropriately touched her chest Thursday, May 18th, just before 4 p.m.
According to authorities, the victim's friend intervened, and the suspect rode off on an electric black and gray scooter.
A staff member of the Santee Teen Center, located at Big Rock Park, knew about the incident. They saw a man wearing all-black clothing and the same scooter that fits the suspect's description around 6:30 on May 19th and alerted the Sheriff's Department.
The man matched the description of a suspect who was captured in surveillance video following the incident, according to the Sheriff's Department.
Deputies were able to detain the suspect near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Ellsworth Circle.
29-year-old Lawrence Ruvalcaba was booked into San Diego Central Jail on one felony count of lewd and lascivious act with force on a child under 14 years old. He is being held on $250,000 bail and scheduled to be arraigned at the El Cajon Court House on May 24th at 1:30 p.m.
San Diego County Sheriff's Department has some tips for how kids can stay safe outside of school:
"As summer break approaches, children will likely spend more time outdoors. Here are a few tips parents can discuss with their children so they can stay safe in and out of school.
- Use the buddy system and avoid walking alone.
- Parents should plan, map out and practice safe routes with children before they head out independently.
- Teach your children not to talk to strangers.
- Remind children to stay off cell phones. They should be able to hear their surroundings when walking to school or a bus stop.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel you are being followed or something is not right, you feel uncomfortable or you notice strange behavior, ask for help immediately.
- If a stranger grabs you, drop to the ground, kick, hit, bite, or scream. Make a scene and do whatever it takes to get the attention of others who can help you.
- Go to a trusted adult, a teacher, coach, parent, older sibling, or law enforcement for help and report the incident immediately."
