Attempted Kidnapping Suspect Ordered To Stand Trial

COACHELLA VALLEY, CA — A Coachella man suspected of trying to kidnap a 15-year-old girl in Thermal must stand trial on felony charges, a judge ruled Wednesday.

Christian Daniel Arreola, 20, is charged with one felony count each of assault with intent to commit mayhem, sexual battery, and attempted kidnapping, robbery and/or rape.

At the end of a preliminary hearing Wednesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, a Riverside County Superior Court judge ruled there was sufficient evidence to hold Arreola to answer on all charges, according to court records.

A post-preliminary hearing arraignment was set for Jan. 17.

The victim was walking home in the 55000 block of Calhoun Street about 3 p.m. Sept. 6, 2022, when a man approached her, grabbed her from behind and attempted to pull her into his vehicle, according to Sgt. David Aldrich of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Aldrich said the girl was able to escape and run home. She was taken to a hospital for treatment of minor injuries sustained during the struggle.

Arreola was subsequently identified as a suspect and located Sept. 10, 2022, at his residence in the 85400 block of Heather Lane, according to Aldrich.

He was being held at the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio on $2 million bail.

Arreola has no prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

Anyone with information was encouraged to contact Investigator Glasper of the sheriff's Thermal station at 760-863-8950. Anonymous tips can be submitted to 760-341-7867.