Man arrested in kidnapping, molestation of 11-year-old girl in Highland

HIGHLAND, Calif. (KABC) -- Police have arrested a man accused of kidnapping and molesting an 11-year-old girl in Highland.

The search for Guillermo Cascante, 57, of San Bernardino, was launched after the alleged victim escaped after being kidnapped Tuesday, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.

Investigators say the girl was searching for her missing dog near San Francisco and 14th streets when Cascante lured her into his "white ambulance style van" by pretending to work for Animal Control and offering to help her.

Once the girl was inside the vehicle, authorities say Cascante pulled out a handgun, drove around the city and molested her. At one point, he stopped and the girl was able to escape and run home.

The following day, detectives served a search warrant at a home on East 18th Street and arrested Cascante.

He was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on kidnapping and molestation charges, and is being held without bail.

Detectives believe there may be more victims and are asking them or anyone with additional information to contact the Highland sheriff's station at (909) 425-9793.