A school bus driver in Colombia has been taken into custody for allegedly kidnapping and sexually assaulting a girl who managed to escape after being held captive for 12 years.
Carlos Humberto Grisales Higuita faces several serious charges, including simple kidnapping, sexual abuse of a minor under 14, sexual acts with a minor, and pornography involving someone under 18. These details were revealed during a press conference by the country’s attorney general’s office.
According to prosecutors, Grisales kidnapped the girl when she was just 7 years old in 2012, taking her to a residence in the center of Medellín. Over the years, he is accused of repeatedly abusing her and convincing her that the situation was normal.
Throughout the 12 years of her captivity, Grisales allegedly changed the girl’s name and moved her multiple times within Medellín and nearby Bello, Antioquia. Authorities state that he also removed her from school and prevented her from interacting with others.
When the girl turned 16, she confronted Grisales about his treatment of her. Prosecutors claim he reacted by locking her in the house. In February 2024, she was able to escape.
The National Police arrested Grisales in Medellín. He has reportedly denied the charges against him.
