Neighbors respond to kidnapping, sexual assault arrest

El Paso Sheriff’s Office says they have a man behind bars who’s accused of kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 12-year-old girl.

“As a parent of three daughters … they should probably do something about it,” Colby Christiansen said. He lives near Horizon High School, and didn’t take the news well that 43-year-old Carlos Holcombe is behind bars. Holcombe is accused of sexually assaulting and the aggravated kidnapping of a 12-year-old girl who was on campus Friday evening.

“We all get along here, no trouble with everybody. It’s surprising I guess to the whole community when something happens like this,” nearby resident Evan Mercado said.

Detectives say the girl was watching football at Horizon High before she left the stands to walk towards the restroom. That’s when they said she was approached by the man who was believed to have a gun, and he led her to his car before taking off.

The victim gave deputies a detailed description of the suspect and his vehicle, which surveillance video matched. She said the man sexually assaulted her before dropping her off at a movie theater in the 12000 block of Montana Ave.

With school starting this week, there’s a few more watchful eyes on the streets.

A Clint ISD spokeswoman responded to the kidnapping via e-mail. She said, “The safety of students in Clint ISD is always a priority and the district has numerous security measures in place to keep our students safe. Our security system was recently upgraded and was critical in capturing the alleged kidnapper. We will continue to be vigilant to ensure the safety of all students. We encourage students, parents, and community in general to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the proper authorities. “