Latest World News: kidnapped girl "Help me" sign leads to it
The girl also said the words “help me” to passers-by
A 13-year-old girl kidnapped in Texas was rescued when a passerby saw her holding a “help me” sign in a California parking lot, police said.
According to Long Beach Police Departmenta 61-year-old man named Steven Robert Sabalan forced the teenager into his car in San Antonio, Texas on July 6. The man allegedly threatened her with a gun and took her across state lines – nearly 1,400 miles – to California, where she was found three days later.
“Good Samaritans were in a parking lot when they saw the victim in a parked vehicle holding up a piece of paper that had ‘help me’ written on it,” read a press release from the LBPD. “They acknowledged receipt of the note and immediately called 9-1-1.”
Police say the girl also spoke the words “help me” to passers-by while the man was inside a laundromat.
The 61-year-old Cleburne, Texas man was indicted Thursday in California and charged with one count of kidnapping and one count of transporting a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
“If you don’t get in the car with me, I’m going to hurt you,” Sablan told the victim, according to court documents.
According to a press release, the girl left home on July 6 without telling her parents as she intended to visit a friend who had moved to Australia a year earlier.
The Guardian reported that the victim was near a bus stop in San Antonio, Texas on July 6 when the suspect approached in a vehicle, pointed a gun at her and demanded she get in.
Police say the girl was sexually assaulted while being driven to California and they found a replica gun in the vehicle.
On July 9, they stopped at a laundromat in Long Beach, California.
Mr. Sablan told him to change clothes in the car, then took his clothes and entered. This gave the girl the opportunity to write “Help Me!” on a sheet of paper, New York Times reported.
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An Overview of Global Events in 2023
In 2023, the world witnessed a myriad of events that left a lasting impact on global affairs. From political developments and economic shifts to environmental challenges and breakthroughs in science and technology, the year was marked by significant changes and a sense of urgency for collective action. Here’s an overview of some of the latest world news in 2023.
Political Unrest and Diplomatic Strides:
In the political arena, several regions experienced unrest and geopolitical tensions. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East continued to dominate headlines, with efforts towards peace and stability remaining elusive. However, there were also moments of diplomatic breakthroughs as nations engaged in dialogues to ease tensions and work towards lasting solutions.
Economic Transformations:
The global economy faced both challenges and opportunities. Trade disputes between major powers affected markets, while some countries grappled with debt crises. On the other hand, emerging economies showed resilience and promising growth, fueling optimism for a more balanced global economic landscape.
Technological Advancements:
Innovation surged forward in the tech industry, with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and space exploration. Quantum computing achieved milestones, promising radical transformations across industries. Renewable energy sources gained traction, with many countries setting ambitious goals to combat climate change.
Climate Crisis and Environmental Resilience:
As the climate crisis intensified, extreme weather events wreaked havoc in various parts of the world. Wildfires, hurricanes, and floods reminded humanity of the urgent need for climate action. In response, governments and communities across the globe doubled down on efforts to reduce carbon emissions, invest in sustainable infrastructure, and protect biodiversity.
Health and Pandemic Management:
Health remained a global priority as countries continued to combat the COVID-19 pandemic. With the emergence of new variants, vaccination efforts and public health measures remained crucial to curbing the spread of the virus. There were also significant advancements in medical research and technology, offering hope for better preparedness in handling future health crises.
Sports and Cultural Milestones:
Amidst the challenges, the world found moments of joy and unity through sports and culture. International sporting events brought together athletes from diverse backgrounds, promoting solidarity and camaraderie. Cultural exchanges and celebrations showcased the richness of human diversity and fostered mutual understanding.
In conclusion, the year 2023 was a dynamic period filled with significant events that shaped the course of history. From political unrest to technological advancements and environmental challenges, the world witnessed the complexities of the global landscape. While obstacles remained, there were also encouraging developments and collaborative efforts towards a more sustainable, peaceful, and prosperous future for all nations. As we move forward, the lessons learned from these events serve as a reminder of the importance of collective action and cooperation to address shared global challenges.