Two Dead in Tragic Shooting Involving Police Officer's Son

A 13-year-old girl was rescued after she made a desperate plea for help, writing "Help Me!" on a piece of paper while held captive by a man in California. Steven Robert Sablan, 63, from Texas, was sentenced to 35 years in federal prison for kidnapping the girl in San Antonio and sexually assaulting her during the drive to Long Beach. Authorities reported that the girl scrawled her message on July 9, 2023, while in a silver Nissan Sentra outside a laundromat. A passerby noticed her distress and alerted police.
Upon arrival, officers freed the girl, who had been threatened with a firearm during her ordeal. Sablan pleaded guilty in January 2024 to charges of kidnapping, and in addition to his prison term, he was ordered to pay restitution amounting to $1,158. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph T. McNally emphasized the importance of protecting children, commending law enforcement for securing justice in this case.