Rape Is Reported at Temecula School

A 14-year-old girl at Temecula Valley High School was raped in a restroom stall during school hours Tuesday, an attack that has terrified students and led to increased police patrols on the suburban campus, authorities said.

The ninth-grader was taking a bathroom break during second period when a male attacker forced her into a stall, said Riverside County sheriff’s spokesman Sgt. Earl Quinata.

The attacker, possibly another student, sexually assaulted her, then fled the campus, Quinata said.

The girl returned to class, waiting until between noon and 1 p.m. before reporting the assault to administrators, Quinata said.

Sheriff’s deputies interviewed the student at the school Tuesday. Quinata said her description of the assailant was vague and authorities were working to see if she could recall other details. Her identity was not released.

A flier distributed on campus by a deputy asked students for information on “any male students being out of class” when the assault occurred.

“I’m terrified,” said senior Elma Afaese, 17, after school let out Wednesday. “A pedophile or rapist could still be running around this campus. That could have happened to any one of us.”

On Wednesday, the district provided counselors for students and stepped up security at the school, which has 2,750 students. Two deputies will patrol the 20-acre campus this week, and school staff have increased routine checks of hallways and restrooms.

“This is a young girl and a life-changing incident. We’re trying to be sensitive,” said Temecula Valley Unified School District spokeswoman Danielle Clark.

Temecula Valley’s principal notified parents Wednesday in a letter that called the assault an “isolated incident.”

“Please know that [Temecula Valley High] is, was and always will be a safe campus,” Principal Scott Schaufele told parents in his letter.

While waiting to pick up his daughter Wednesday, Jerry Vera said the incident was “pretty scary, and shocking also.” He said he was worried about school security, but wasn’t overly concerned for his daughter’s safety.

“She’s never alone,” he said.

Students said they were upset that they weren’t notified until 24 hours after the alleged assault was reported. Some said they found out from friends at lunch.

Female students added that the bathroom where they believed the assault occurred was dark and seldom used. One girl called it the “worst bathroom on campus.”

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Times staff writer Ashley Powers contributed to this report.