Redlands Police Search for Victims of Suspected Kidnapper

Redlands Police have arrested a 33-year-old Yucaipa man they say tried to force a high school student into his car late last week.

The department and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s detectives are now looking for additional victims.

Alfonso Ariel Hernandez Jr. was taken into custody Sunday on suspicion of kidnapping and annoying/molesting a victim under 18 years old. His bail is set at $1 million. His next court date is scheduled for Wednesday.

Authorities said they received separate reports of teenage girls who were approached between 6 and 7 a.m. on Jan. 17 by a man in a red, two-door vehicle while on their way to Redlands East Valley High School.

In one incident, the suspect reportedly grabbed a 17-year-old girl but she was able to escape and reported the incident to school officials who called police, officials said.

Yucaipa sheriff’s deputies found a red 1991 Geo Metro matching the description of the suspect vehicle and called Redlands Police who arrested Hernandez.

Investigators ask anyone who may have been approached or anyone with additional information to call Detective Andy Capps at (909) 798-7642, Redlands Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681 or San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Detective Dan Whitten at (909) 790-3105.

Anonymous tips can be sent to the Redlands Police by texting 274637 using the keyword “REDTIP.” Certain non-emergency crimes may also be reported online using the Redlands Police Department’s CopLogic reporting system.