URGENT UPDATE: A 35-year-old man has been arrested following a reported sexual assault of a female teenager in the riverbed of the Santa Clara River in Canyon Country, California. The incident, which occurred on Monday morning, has prompted an investigation by the Special Victims Bureau of the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department.
According to an email from Shirley Miller, spokeswoman for the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, deputies responded to a call for service at the intersection of Soledad Canyon Road and Camp Plenty Road. They located both the victim and the suspect, identified as George Valle, and took him into custody without incident.
Sgt. Joseph Mesa, head of the Special Victims Unit, stated in an email that the investigation is “ongoing and in the early stages.” While detectives continue to gather information, Mesa added that they do not believe there is any ongoing danger to the community.
George Valle has been charged under section 261(a)1 of the California Penal Code, which addresses sexual assault against individuals incapable of giving legal consent. He remains in custody with a bail set at $265,000 and has a scheduled court appearance on Wednesday at the San Fernando Courthouse.
Valle’s history includes a prior arrest on October 31 for petty theft, after which he was released the following day. The authorities have not disclosed whether Valle and the victim knew each other before this incident.
This shocking event raises significant concerns regarding the safety of young individuals in the area. Community members are urged to remain vigilant as the investigation unfolds.
For ongoing updates, keep following local news sources as more information is expected to be released shortly.
