A Glendora man faces charges of child luring and sexual assault after multiple alleged incidents near schools in West Covina. Oscar Jimenez Larios, 39, was arrested following an investigation into accusations that he targeted minor girls in the vicinity of educational institutions.
According to NBC Los Angeles, Larios is accused of sexually assaulting a teenage girl who was waiting at a bus stop in February. She was offered a ride to school, but instead, he allegedly drove her to a nearby parking lot to forcibly assault her. In October, Larios was reportedly seen trying to lure two additional girls near a middle and elementary school.
The West Covina Police Department stated that Larios was arrested and charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious acts upon a minor and three counts of annoying and molesting a child. As of the latest reports, Larios is being held on a $290,000 bail at the West Covina City Jail, as mentioned by KTLA.
West Covina police Sgt. Steven Spagon emphasized the importance of vigilance among young community members. "It's easy to be glued to your cellphone or listening to your (headphones) while you're walking to school or wherever you're walking," Spagon stated in an interview obtained by ABC 7. He continued, advising to "Try to walk in groups, walk in well lit areas and communicate effectively with your parents and let them know where you're going and where you're going to be picked up at."
Investigations into these cases continue as police are reaching out to possibly identify other victims. The West Covina Police Department has asked anyone with additional information to contact Detective Hernandez at 626-939-8534 or to submit anonymous tips through L.A. Crime Stoppers.
