Paso Robles man arrested for criminal threats against student
A 20-year-old man is facing criminal charges after police say he harassed a 12-year-old girl while on her way to school in Paso Robles Thursday morning.
Jesus Alberto Bernalsalgado allegedly threatened the 12-year-old with sexual assault. Paso Robles police say Bernalsalgado was heavily intoxicated at the time of the incident.
A crossing guard who witnessed part of the incident flagged down a police officer, and Bernalsalgado was quickly detained.
Authorities say Bernalsalgado was walking behind the 12-year-old girl as she walked to school on 31st Street, and after walking faster towards the girl, she began to run. Bernalsalgado allegedly gave chase, but police say the girl was not injured and never touched, just shaken up.
Bernalsalgado was booked into San Luis Obispo County Jail on the following charges:
PC 422 -Threatening a crime with intent to terrorize – Felony PC 647.6 – Annoying a child under age 18 – Misdemeanor PC 220(a)(2) – Assault with intent to commit rape on a child under age 18 – Felony PC 647(f) – Drunk in public – Misdemeanor
The Paso Robles Police Department reminds parents and guardians to talk to their children about crime prevention and awareness. They stress children should never talk to, or approach strangers, and to have children report any strange or criminal behavior to an adult immediately.
