Phoenix, Arizona, November 22, 2025
In a troubling incident at Orangewood Elementary School in Phoenix, a 25-year-old man named Abel Kai Gblah has been arrested for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. Posing as a doctor, Gblah lured the child into an empty classroom where the assault occurred. He fled but was later apprehended at his residence. Authorities are reviewing the school’s security measures in response to the incident, raising community concerns regarding safety protocols for students.
Phoenix Police Arrest Man for Assaulting 10-Year-Old Girl at Elementary School
Phoenix, Arizona – A 25-year-old man has been arrested for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl at Orangewood Elementary School in Phoenix. The suspect, Abel Kai Gblah, entered the school campus without authorization and posed as a doctor to lure the child into an empty classroom, where the assault occurred. The incident took place on November 19, 2025, around 12:20 p.m. Police responded promptly after the school’s administration reported the assault. Gblah fled the scene but was later apprehended at his residence, approximately 2.1 miles from the school. He faces charges of sexual assault, kidnapping, and probation violation. Gblah had a prior conviction for sexual conduct with a minor in 2021. The school district is reviewing its security measures to prevent future incidents.
Details of the Incident
According to court documents, Gblah approached the 10-year-old girl, claiming to be a doctor who needed to perform tests. He led her into an empty classroom, where he sexually assaulted her. The child managed to push him away and told him to stop, prompting Gblah to flee the scene. Security footage from the school helped authorities identify Gblah as the suspect.
Suspect’s Background
Gblah is a Tier 2 sex offender, previously convicted in 2021 for sexual conduct with a minor. In that case, he pleaded guilty, and charges of child sex trafficking and luring a minor were dismissed. His residence was located 2.1 miles from Orangewood Elementary, which complies with Arizona law requiring certain sex offenders to live at least 1,000 feet away from schools.
School Security Measures
Following the incident, Orangewood Elementary School principal Emily Paterson informed staff and parents that Gblah was a former student who attended the school from 2012 to 2015. He gained access to the campus through an unlocked interior lobby door and entered with a tardy student. The school district has placed a staff member on administrative leave and is reviewing its security protocols, including reinforcing visitor sign-in procedures, ensuring staff ID badges are visible, and retraining staff on interior security measures. Additionally, a member of the District Security Team will be on campus for the remainder of the year, and the district is applying for a School Safety Grant to secure a School Resource Officer.
Community Response
The Phoenix community has expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures in schools. Parents and local residents are advocating for stricter security protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff. The school district is committed to addressing these concerns and implementing necessary changes to prevent future incidents.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Gblah’s entry into the school and the assault. The school district is cooperating fully with law enforcement to support the investigation. Gblah remains in custody, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for December 1, 2025. The community is urged to stay informed and report any relevant information to assist in the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened at Orangewood Elementary School in Phoenix?
A 25-year-old man, Abel Kai Gblah, entered the school campus without authorization and sexually assaulted a 10-year-old girl in an empty classroom. He posed as a doctor to lure the child into the room. The incident occurred on November 19, 2025, around 12:20 p.m. Gblah fled the scene but was later arrested at his residence, approximately 2.1 miles from the school. He faces charges of sexual assault, kidnapping, and probation violation. Gblah had a prior conviction for sexual conduct with a minor in 2021. The school district is reviewing its security measures to prevent future incidents.
How did the suspect gain access to the school?
Gblah gained access to the school through an unlocked interior lobby door and entered with a tardy student. Initially, it was reported that he followed a student who was buzzed in through the main entrance, but further investigation revealed the actual method of entry. The school district has placed a staff member on administrative leave and is reviewing its security protocols to prevent future incidents.
What actions is the school district taking in response to the incident?
The school district is reviewing its security measures, including reinforcing visitor sign-in procedures, ensuring staff ID badges are visible, and retraining staff on interior security measures. Additionally, a member of the District Security Team will be on campus for the remainder of the year, and the district is applying for a School Safety Grant to secure a School Resource Officer. A staff member has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
What is the suspect’s criminal history?
Gblah is a Tier 2 sex offender, previously convicted in 2021 for sexual conduct with a minor. In that case, he pleaded guilty, and charges of child sex trafficking and luring a minor were dismissed. His residence was located 2.1 miles from Orangewood Elementary, which complies with Arizona law requiring certain sex offenders to live at least 1,000 feet away from schools.
What is the community’s response to the incident?
The Phoenix community has expressed concern over the incident, emphasizing the need for enhanced safety measures in schools. Parents and local residents are advocating for stricter security protocols to ensure the safety of students and staff. The school district is committed to addressing these concerns and implementing necessary changes to prevent future incidents.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect’s Name | Abel Kai Gblah |
| Age | 25 |
| Location | Orangewood Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona |
| Incident Date and Time | November 19, 2025, around 12:20 p.m. |
| Charges | Sexual assault, kidnapping, probation violation |
| Prior Conviction | Sexual conduct with a minor in 2021 |
| School’s Response | Reviewing security measures, placing staff member on administrative leave, applying for School Safety Grant |
| Community Response | Expressing concern, advocating for enhanced school safety protocols |
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