California Man Faces Multiple Charges in Kidnapping and Rape Cases
Authorities in California have arrested a 26-year-old man accused of kidnapping two college students and raping another woman in separate incidents. Alexander Schecter was taken into custody on March 20 in Santa Monica in connection with an alleged sexual assault, following an earlier arrest on March 12 related to kidnapping allegations.
Kidnapping Incident Near UCLA Campus
Police first responded to reports of a possible kidnapping near the University of California-Los Angeles (UCLA) around 3 a.m. on March 8. According to a UCLA Police Department press release, two female students were being dropped off in the area when Schecter allegedly refused to let them leave his vehicle. The suspect reportedly threatened to harm both women, leading them to remain in the car out of fear for their safety.
The victims were driven approximately half a mile to Gayley Avenue, a major road passing through the campus. It remains unclear why the women were in Schecter's car initially or whether they knew him prior to the incident. Police identified Schecter four days later and arrested him on charges of kidnapping and false imprisonment. He subsequently posted bail and was released.
Discovery of Separate Sexual Assault Case
During the investigation into the alleged kidnapping, UCLA police uncovered evidence linking Schecter to a previously unreported sexual assault. The assault allegedly occurred in Los Angeles on October 12, 2025, between 2 and 5 a.m. The female victim in this case had no connection to UCLA, and further details about the incident have not been disclosed by authorities.
On March 20, police arrested Schecter again at his home. He was booked on multiple charges, including one count of rape by force, one count of forcible oral copulation, one count of robbery, one count of extortion, and one count of battery. Schecter's bail has been set at $600,000, and he is currently held at the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Twin Towers Correctional Facility.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
Detectives are continuing their investigation into Schecter and have urged anyone with information about unreported incidents involving him to come forward. According to the police statement, Schecter has no relation to UCLA, adding complexity to the cases. The arrests highlight concerns about safety in the area and the importance of thorough police work in connecting separate criminal allegations.
