Authorities in Philadelphia have arrested 19-year-old Angel Lopez following allegations that he coerced a 13-year-old girl from Westmoreland County into traveling to meet him after they connected on TikTok. According to WPXI, Lopez is accused of sexually assaulting the minor multiple times upon her arrival.
The investigation was prompted when the girl's mother reported her missing to Greensburg police on March 14. Using cell phone tracking technology, authorities were able to locate the girl in Philadelphia. The victim's mother indicated in a call to the police, and later confirmed after picking up her daughter, that she suspected her daughter had met a man on social media who persuaded her to cross the state. The information detailed by WTAE quotes Det. Sgt. Justin Scalzo of the Greensburg Police expressed concern over the suspect's directive to the victim to leave no electronic devices or traces behind.
Lopez reportedly asked the victim to send explicit content before paying for an Uber to facilitate their encounter, as per police reports. Upon her arrival at Lopez's apartment, the victim stated that she was made to turn off her cell phone and take hits from a "weed pen" before the assault commenced. These details came to light during an interview with the victim by authorities, as detailed by CBS News Pittsburgh. The young girl manifested considerable distress during her ordeal, taking the precaution of leaving strands of her hair around the apartment with the hopes of them being found later.
During her captivity, the victim reported feeling extreme discomfort and fear for her safety. She eventually seized an opportunity to escape when she overheard voices in the apartment complex's hallway.
Lopez is currently facing multiple charges, including kidnapping, trafficking individuals, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under 16, statutory sexual assault, and other related offenses. He will be returned to Westmoreland County to face a judge for the alleged crimes.
