Westminster Police Arrest 19-Year-Old on Kidnapping and Child Sex Assault Charges

Anthony Gonzalez grabbed an 8-year-old playing outside near Edwards Street and allegedly molested the child before the victim escaped

Westminster detectives arrested a 19-year-old resident on five felony charges after he allegedly grabbed an 8-year-old child who was playing outside near the 13500 block of Edwards Street on March 21 and sexually assaulted the child before the victim broke free and ran home.

Westminster Police have arrested a 19-year-old resident on multiple felony charges after he allegedly kidnapped and sexually assaulted an 8-year-old child near a residential block in the city last weekend.

Anthony Gonzalez was taken into custody on March 23 without incident, two days after the attack. He has been booked into the Orange County Jail.

What happened

According to the Westminster Police Department, the incident occurred on March 21 near the 13500 block of Edwards Street. The child was playing outside with a friend when Gonzalez, who was a stranger to the child, approached and forcibly grabbed and dragged the victim to a less-populated area. Detectives say Gonzalez then engaged in unlawful sexual contact with the child.

The child broke free and ran home. The Westminster Police Department said the child is now receiving care and support, and there is no indication of additional victims.

Charges

Gonzalez faces five felony charges: kidnapping (PC 207(a)), kidnapping with intent to commit a sexual act (PC 207(b)), lewd or lascivious act with a minor (PC 288(a)), lewd or lascivious act with a minor by force or duress (PC 288(b)(1)), and annoying or molesting a child under 18 (PC 647.6(a)(1)).

What investigators are saying

Westminster Police Chief Darin Lenyi said he appreciated the work of officers and detectives in identifying and apprehending the suspect quickly. "A child should never have to experience the acts alleged in this case," Lenyi said, adding that he hopes anyone with additional information will come forward.

The investigation remains open. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Barnes at (714) 548-3784 or the Westminster Police Watch Commander at (714) 548-3767. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS or at occrimestoppers.org.