Suspect chases student, shouts sexual threats, police say
20-year old Jesus Alberto Bernalsalgado.
–The Paso Robles Police Department arrested 20-year old Jesus Alberto Bernalsalgado at 7:50 a.m., on Thursday, after a school crossing guard observed him harassing a 12-year old victim near Flamson Middle School.
According to the 12-year old victim and crossing guard witness, Bernalsalgado began chasing the female student while she was making her way to school. The observant crossing guard flagged down a PRPD officer working traffic enforcement in the area and asked for help. The PRPD officer quickly located Bernalsalgado and detained him.
A subsequent investigation revealed the heavily intoxicated suspect was walking behind the victim while she walked to school on 31st Street. The victim said Bernalsalgado began walking faster and closer to her; fearing for her immediate safety the victim began running from Bernalsalgado, who began chasing her toward the school. As the suspect gave chase, he threatened that he would sexually assault her. Although shaken, the teenage victim was not injured and never touched by Bernalsalgado. The victim obtained help from school officials inside school grounds.
The suspect is in police custody and being booked into SLO County Jail on the following charges:
• Threatening a crime with intent to terrorize – Felony
• Annoying a child under age 18 – Misdemeanor
• PC 220(a)(2) – Assault with intent to commit rape on a child under age18 – Felony
• PC 647(f) – Drunk in public – Misdemeanor
The Paso Robles Police Department would like to remind parents and guardians of the importance of talking to their children about crime prevention and awareness. Parents should stress to children that they should never talk to, or approach strangers. Children should be encouraged to immediately report any strange or criminal behavior to an adult.
Paso Robles Joint Unified School District Superintendent Chris Williams sent out the following letter to parents regarding the incident:
Dear Flamson Parents and Guardians,
This letter is being sent to inform you of incident that occurred this morning as a student was walking to school. At approximately 7:45 a.m., the Flamson Office Staff received a report from our crossing guard that a student was being harassed by an adult male on Spring Street.
The student immediately came to the office and school staff reported to the area of the incident. The crossing guard flagged down an officer from the Paso Robles Police Department who was in the area. The police officer apprehended the adult male and placed him in custody.
School district personnel worked directly with PRPD officers to ensure the safety of the student involved and all of our students at the school.
I would like to take this opportunity to remind parents and guardians of the importance of talking to their children about crime prevention and awareness. Parents should stress to children that they should never talk to or approach strangers. Children should be encouraged to immediately report any strange or criminal behavior to an adult.
If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school at (805) 769-1400.
