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A young man, aged 24, stands accused of luring UCLA students into his vehicle and now faces serious charges, including rape, with authorities cautioning that additional victims could emerge.
The UCLA Police Department has reported the apprehension of Alexander Schecter, a Santa Monica resident. Detectives allege his involvement in several offenses such as sexual assault, kidnapping, and extortion.
On March 20, Schecter was detained at his home in Santa Monica and subsequently incarcerated within the Los Angeles County jail system.
He is confronted with a series of felony charges, notably rape by force, forcible oral copulation, robbery, extortion, and battery.
Alexander Schecter, who has been implicated in the kidnapping and sexual assault of individuals connected to the UCLA vicinity, was taken into custody by UCLA police. Officials confirm he has no ties to the university.
Bail was set at $600,000, but records show he has since been released.
The arrest stems from an early-morning incident near campus earlier this month.
According to investigators, on March 8 around 3 a.m., two female UCLA students were being dropped off when the suspect allegedly prevented them from exiting the vehicle and threatened violence.
Janss Steps on the UCLA campus on Oct. 20, 2017. UCLA is a public university in the Los Angeles area. (MichaelGordon1/Getty Images)
Fearing for their safety, the victims remained inside as the suspect drove them roughly half a mile before stopping in the Gayley Avenue area.
Detectives identified Schecter as the suspect and arrested him days later on kidnapping and false imprisonment charges. He was booked and later posted bail.
A student walks on the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) campus in Los Angeles, Sept. 18, 2009. (REUTERS/Lucy Nicholson )
During the investigation, police said detectives uncovered evidence linking Schecter to a previously unreported sexual assault involving an adult woman with no known affiliation to UCLA.
The assault occurred Oct. 12, 2025, in the area of Venice Boulevard and Clarington Avenue in Los Angeles, according to police, who said they later confirmed the attack and developed probable cause for the additional charges.
Investigators say they believe there may be additional victims and are urging anyone with information to contact the UCLA Police Department.
Authorities said Schecter is not believed to be affiliated with the university.
The case will be presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.
It was not immediately clear if Schechter has an attorney representing him.
Stepheny Price covers crime, including missing persons, homicides and migrant crime. Send story tips to stepheny.price@fox.com.