A 54-year-old man has been charged with trying to kidnap a 13-year-old girl walking to school in Rancho Palos Verdes, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced today.

Garrett Evans Webber (dob 6/22/63) of Rancho Palos Verdes faces one felony count each of attempted kidnapping of a victim under age 14 and assault with a semi-automatic firearm.

The charges include allegations that Webber used a handgun.

The defendant pleaded not guilty today and is scheduled to return on Nov. 20 to Department 4 of the Los Angeles County Superior Court, Torrance Branch. Case YA097132 was filed yesterday.

On Oct. 30, Webber allegedly drove up to the victim as she walked in the 28700 block of Highridge Road, exited his vehicle and pointed a weapon at her head trying to force her into his vehicle, prosecutors said. The young victim was able to escape the defendant's grasp and call for help from nearby good Samaritans, prosecutors added.

Webber fled but was later located by police.

If convicted as charged, Webber faces a possible maximum sentence of 19 years in state prison. Bail is set at $500,000.

The case remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, Lomita Station.

Los Angeles District Attorney / Case YA097132 / November 2, 2017