A man is charged after allegedly entering Chantilly High School in Virginia on Sept. 27 and sexually assaulting a student there – and Fairfax County Police are looking for other possible victims.
A man is charged after allegedly entering Chantilly High School in Virginia on Sept. 27 and sexually assaulting a student there – and Fairfax County Police are investigating the possibility of other victims.
Galata Bekele Bengessa, 22, has been charged with violent kidnapping, sexual harassment and trespassing, according to the Fairfax County Police Department. The investigation has uncovered two other possible victims who reported similar incidents involving Bekele Bengessa that occurred outside of school grounds.
On the morning of September 27th, police said that Bekele Bengessa, wearing a mask, entered Chantilly High School with students. He approached the female victim who said she believed he was a different student. According to the police, Bekele Bengessa started a conversation with the girl and then touched her illegally.
Police said she escaped when other students approached and contacted her mother, who called the police.
Officers then searched the area around the school and found Bekele Bengessa walking near Route 50 and the Fairfax County Parkway. During the arrest, he made statements that caused the officers to worry about his welfare, so he was taken to a hospital for treatment.
When Fairfax County Police learned on Wednesday that Bekele Bengessa had been released and was back home, they arrested him for the September 27 incident and took him to an adult detention center.
Police ask anyone with information about the incident or who may have had inappropriate contact with the suspect to call the Major Crimes Bureau at 703-246-7800, Option 3.
Tips can also be given anonymously by calling 1-866-411-TIPS (866-411-8477), by SMS – enter “FCCS” plus tip to 847411 – or online by clicking here.
Anonymous tipsters are eligible for cash rewards ranging from $ 100 to $ 1,000 if their information results in an arrest.
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