Man arrested in attempted kidnapping of teen girl in Santa Ana

Santa Ana police have arrested a 28-year-old man who they suspect of sexually assaulting and trying to kidnap a 15-year-old girl last week.

Officers arrested Kevin Steven Brito, of Santa Ana, on Monday once he was identified as the suspect by the victim, said Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna.

He was detained on Friday when his vehicle was found shortly after photos were released to the public.

Police said on that July 30, the man made lewd comments to the girl and offered to pay her for sex acts as she walked in the 800 block of North Ross Street, Bertagna said.

When she ignored him and kept walking, he came up behind her and “sexually battered her” then tried to wrap his arms around her. She fought him off and broke free.

Court records show Brito was released on bond the same day he was arrested.