13-Year-Old Girl Pulled Out Her Own Hair for DNA After Assault by TikTok Creeper: Cops

A Pennsylvania man, Angel Lopez, 19, is facing a range of felony charges after allegedly using TikTok to lure a 13-year-old girl across the state to his apartment, where he sexually assaulted her. Lopez, who was arrested in March, appeared in court for a preliminary hearing on Thursday. He faces charges including kidnapping, trafficking, and sexual assault.

TikTok Interaction Leads to Abduction

According to Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli, Lopez began communicating with the 13-year-old girl through TikTok. The two exchanged numerous text messages over just a few days. During these conversations, Lopez allegedly convinced the girl to leave her home in Greensburg, Pennsylvania, and travel to his apartment in Philadelphia. The defendant is said to have paid for an Uber to transport her. In addition to the luring, Lopez allegedly instructed the girl to write a note to her family, telling them she was “running away” and requesting that they not search for her. Once the girl arrived at his apartment, Lopez reportedly told her to turn off her phone and not bring any electronic devices. He also instructed her to “leave no trace behind.”

Sexual Assault and the Victim’s Efforts to Leave Evidence

Once inside Lopez’s apartment, the victim alleges that Lopez offered her drugs before sexually assaulting her. The victim also reported that Lopez told her to take a shower afterward to remove any traces of his DNA. Feeling trapped and scared, the girl allegedly tried to leave traces of her DNA behind in the apartment by pulling out strands of her hair, hoping investigators might find them if she wasn’t discovered. The victim attempted to leave the apartment, but when she expressed her desire to leave, Lopez allegedly told her, “They won’t be able to find you anyway.” Despite the threats, the victim eventually managed to escape when she heard someone outside in the hallway. She was able to contact the police, who later found her and took her to a nearby station. The victim was subsequently reunited with her family and is now safe.

Legal Action and Future Court Dates

Lopez is now facing several felony charges, including kidnapping a minor, trafficking, involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a person under 16, unlawful contact with a minor, statutory sexual assault, aggravated indecent assault of a child, sexual abuse of a child, corruption of minors, and criminal use of a communication facility. Lopez remains in custody at the Westmoreland County Prison while awaiting his next court date on May 14.