Full Notification

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Altadena Station detectives arrested 34 year-old John Edward Maust, a local high school teacher, for kidnapping three juveniles after asking them for a ride.

On Saturday, June 7, 2014 at 9:35 P.M., three 17 year-old juveniles were driving in the area of Ganesha Avenue and East Mariposa Street, Altadena, when they recognized John Edward Maust, one of their male high school teacher’s, standing on the sidewalk. When the juveniles stopped their vehicle to say hello, the teacher walked toward them and appeared to be intoxicated. The teacher then asked for a ride, to which the driver agreed. During the ride, a conversation with the teacher caused the driver to become worried, and therefor pulled over. After the juveniles exited the car, the teacher said he wanted to go to “Jack in the Box,” and ordered the juveniles back into the car. Fearing for their well-being, the juveniles re-entered the car. It was at this time the teacher then pulled out a knife on them.

During the ordeal, one of the juveniles was able to call 911. Shortly after, the teacher saw the LASD helicopter overhead, and ordered the driver to stop the car. The teacher then got out of the car and fled the location.

On Sunday, June 8, 2014, at approximately 1:30 P.M., the suspect walked into Altadena Sheriff’s Station lobby where he surrendered without incident.

The suspect was arrested for kidnapping, false imprisonment, and criminal threats. He was booked at Crescenta Valley Station and is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the LASD Altadena Station Detective Bureau, Detective Taylor at (626)798-1131. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Written by:
Detective Taylor
Altadena Sheriff’s Station
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
(626)798-1131

Forwarded by:
Trina Schrader, Deputy
Juanita Navarro-Suarez, Deputy
Sheriff's Headquarters Bureau - Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department
323-267-4800
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John L. Scott, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department