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Santa Ana Man, 21, Accused Of Sexually Battering H.S. Girl Walking Home From School

SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Authorities have announced the arrest of a 21-year-old Santa Ana man they say sexually battered a 16-year-old girl who was walking home from high school.

The girl was walking with a female friend when, she says, the man drove past them at the intersection of Center Street and McFadden Avenue.

The unidentified girl said Jesus Edu Bahena demanded she get into his car. The girl and her friend said two other males were in the car.

The man yelled profanities at both girls, trying to persuade the victim to get in his car. Both girls refused, and they continued walking home. At that time, the man drove away.

A short time later, he returned, this time alone, parked his car next to where the two girls were walking and approached them. He again demanded the girl get into his car. She refused. The man grabbed the girl and tried to force her into his car. During the struggle, he began kissing the victim on her face and lips. The girl told police she was eventually able to kick the man hard enough to break free. Both girls ran from the scene and sought refuge in a church.

About 1:45 p.m. Thursday, Santa Ana School Police received information that the suspect was parked near Valley High School. Officers located the vehicle leaving the area and a car stop was made. Bahena was later positively identified by the victim.

He was arrested and booked into the Santa Ana Jail and charged with attempted kidnapping and sexual battery.

Police said Bahena has an arrest record.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to call the Santa Ana School Police Department at (714) 558-5535.

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