A California man is behind bars after allegedly orchestrating a predatory kidnapping scheme by impersonating an animal control officer to lure an 11-year-old girl into his van. Guillermo Cascante, 57, was arrested this week and charged with kidnapping and lewd and lascivious acts on a child through force or fear, a horrific incident that serves as a stark reminder of the dangers predators pose.
The ordeal began on the evening of Tuesday, August 19, in the community of Highland, located approximately 65 miles east of Los Angeles. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, the young victim was in her neighborhood near San Francisco Street and 14th Street, desperately searching for her lost dog. It was then that Guillermo Cascante allegedly approached her.
Driving an older model white van designed to look like an ambulance, Cascante presented himself as a helpful official. He told the girl he worked for Animal Control and offered his assistance in locating her missing pet. Trusting the authority figure, the child accepted the offer and entered the vehicle. This act of deception swiftly turned into a nightmare.
Once the girl was inside, authorities state that Cascante produced a handgun. He then held the child captive, driving her around the city while subjecting her to a sexual assault. The situation took a turn when, shortly after the assault, Cascante stopped the van near Cunningham Street and 9th Street and released the victim. Showing immense bravery, the 11-year-old immediately ran to her home and alerted her family, who then contacted emergency services.
Deputies from the Highland Station responded to the call. Investigators quickly canvassed the area, using the description provided by the victim to locate a van matching hers parked just over a mile from the abduction site, in the 1800 block of Guthrie Street. This critical break led detectives to identify Cascante as the suspect.
The following day, Wednesday, August 20, detectives served a search warrant at a residence on East 18th Street, where they located and took Cascante into custody without incident. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center, where he is currently being held without the possibility of bail, pending further legal proceedings.
In a concerning development, investigators have released both the photograph of Guillermo Cascante and images of the distinct van used in the crime. They believe his specific method of operation—using the guise of an animal control worker to prey on concerned children—suggests he may have victimized others. The public is urged to come forward with any relevant information.
This terrifying case highlights the sophisticated and manipulative tactics predators can employ. It underscores the vital importance of teaching children about stranger danger, even when that stranger appears to be a trustworthy authority figure. Safety experts advise children to never approach or enter a vehicle with someone they do not know personally, and to always seek help from a known adult or by calling 911 in an emergency.
