April 22, 2014
Dear GPA Families,
Due to an incident that is currently under an investigation by San Diego Police Department, we urge you to take extra precautions to keep your children safe and be on the lookout for suspicious behavior.
Authorities have informed us that on Monday, April 21st at approximately 6pm a 12-year-old child was kidnapped in our community. The incident occurred in the area of Market Street and 47th Street. The child has reported that she was abducted by an armed man who forced her into a vehicle, assaulted her, and then returned her back to the area. The child is now in the care of her family.
The suspect has not been identified and is still at large. The vehicle used is described as a dark colored van or SUV. The man was described as wearing a hoodie and having a tattoo on his hand as well as upper arm. If anyone has any information about the man, they should contact the San Diego Police Department at (619) 531-2000.
Today I met with the student body and discussed the following safety tips:
- Walk in pairs or groups when possible
- Be alert and aware of your surroundings – no headphones, no texting while walking
- Share the route you usually take with a parent or someone at home and stick to it
- Take public, well travelled routes – no short cuts, or passageways when possible
- Go STRAIGHT home after school, no hanging out
SDPD officers from the Juvenile Service Team were present at GPA throughout the day to provide safety guidance to our students and staff. We ask everyone in our community to be on heightened alert and I strongly encourage you to discuss the importance of safety with your children.
If you have any questions, please contact the San Diego Police Department at (619) 531-2000 or the school at (619) 263-2171.
We appreciate your vigilance in this matter.
With Students First,
Vincent Riveroll, Director
See the PDF of the Parent Letter that was sent home here: English or Spanish
