LITTLE VILLAGE — A 40-year-old man is facing serious charges after allegedly attempting to kidnap a teenage girl outside Little Village Lawndale High School in broad daylight on Wednesday morning.
The incident unfolded around 9:30 a.m. at 3120 South Kostner Avenue, where the 15-year-old student was approaching the school entrance.
Suspect Drove Wrong Way Into School Lot, Then Grabbed Victim
According to a proffer from the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the suspect, Ulicer Oviedo-Vasquez, drove his 2012 Ford Focus the wrong way into the school’s parking lot — an action that immediately caught the attention of a school security guard.
He reportedly began speaking to the girl from inside his vehicle, asking her questions. Moments later, he exited his car, approached her, and demanded she come with him.
Prosecutors say Oviedo-Vasquez then grabbed her by the arm and attempted to drag her toward his vehicle.
Victim Fought Back, Guards Intervened
The teen resisted and fell to the ground while screaming for help. Her cries prompted two nearby school security guards to rush to her aid. Their intervention forced Oviedo-Vasquez to release the girl and flee the scene.
One of the guards pursued the fleeing suspect in a separate car and was able to photograph his license plate about half a mile from the school.
Arrest Made Within 20 Minutes
Police officers, using the photo and description provided by the school guard, began canvassing the area. Oviedo-Vasquez was arrested roughly 20 minutes later.
In a “spontaneous utterance” during the arrest, the suspect allegedly claimed he targeted the girl because her brother owed him money, according to police.
However, the victim told authorities she did not know Oviedo-Vasquez and had never seen him before.
Crime Caught On Surveillance, Judge Denies Bond
School surveillance cameras captured the entire incident, providing key evidence for the prosecution.
During a bond hearing, Judge Ankur Srivastava ordered Oviedo-Vasquez detained, calling the attempted abduction “brazen and bold.”
The victim was reportedly not physically injured and did not require medical attention, though the traumatic nature of the event has shaken the local school community.
Were you or someone you know present at Little Village Lawndale High School during the incident? Have your children ever reported feeling unsafe near school grounds? Share your thoughts in the comments on ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com.
