Phoenix, Arizona, November 22, 2025
In Phoenix, a 25-year-old man, Abel Kai Gblah, was arrested for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl at Orangewood Elementary School. Posing as a doctor, he lured the victim into an empty classroom where the assault occurred. The school district is reviewing security measures following the incident, while Gblah faces serious charges including sexual assault and kidnapping.
Phoenix, Arizona: Convicted Sex Offender Arrested for Assaulting 10-Year-Old Girl at Elementary School
Phoenix, Arizona – A 25-year-old man, Abel Kai Gblah, has been arrested for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl at Orangewood Elementary School in Phoenix. Gblah, a convicted sex offender, entered the school campus on November 19, 2025, posing as a doctor and lured the student into an empty classroom, where the assault occurred. The victim managed to push him away, and he fled the scene. Police apprehended Gblah at his residence later that day. He faces charges of sexual assault, kidnapping, and probation violation. Gblah had previously pleaded guilty to sexual conduct with a minor in 2021. The school district is reviewing its security measures to prevent future incidents.
Incident Details
On November 19, 2025, at approximately 12:20 p.m., Phoenix police responded to Orangewood Elementary School after administrators reported an unauthorized individual on campus. Gblah, who had attended the school from 2012 to 2015, entered through an unlocked interior lobby door, accompanying a tardy student. Once inside, he approached the 10-year-old girl, claiming to be a doctor needing to perform tests, and led her into an empty classroom. There, he sexually assaulted her. The victim resisted, and Gblah fled the scene. Security footage later confirmed his presence on campus.
Suspect’s Background
Gblah is a registered Tier 2 sex offender, having been convicted in 2021 for sexual conduct with a minor. His residence is located 2.1 miles from Orangewood Elementary, which complies with Arizona laws requiring certain sex offenders to live at least 1,000 feet away from schools. Following the assault, Gblah was arrested and booked into jail on charges of sexual assault, kidnapping, and probation violation. During questioning, he denied being at the school.
School District’s Response
In response to the incident, Orangewood Elementary School principal Emily Paterson informed staff and parents that the suspect was a former student. The school is implementing enhanced security measures, including reinforcing visitor protocols, ensuring staff ID badges are visible, reviewing lobby security, retraining staff on interior security, and applying for a School Safety Grant to secure a School Resource Officer. A district security team member will remain on campus for the remainder of the year. Social services and safety teams have been on campus since the attack, and counselors will be available next week to support school staff.
Community Impact
The Phoenix Police Department acknowledges the impact of this incident on the child, her family, and the community. They are ensuring the family has access to support services during this difficult time. The school district is committed to reviewing and enhancing safety procedures to prevent future incidents and maintain a secure environment for students and staff.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened at Orangewood Elementary School?
A 25-year-old man, Abel Kai Gblah, entered Orangewood Elementary School on November 19, 2025, posing as a doctor. He lured a 10-year-old girl into an empty classroom and sexually assaulted her. The victim managed to push him away, and he fled the scene. Police later arrested Gblah at his residence.
What is Abel Kai Gblah’s criminal history?
Gblah is a registered Tier 2 sex offender, having been convicted in 2021 for sexual conduct with a minor. He had previously pleaded guilty to this charge.
How did Gblah gain access to the school?
Gblah entered the school through an unlocked interior lobby door, accompanying a tardy student. Once inside, he approached the victim and led her into an empty classroom.
What measures is the school district taking in response?
The school district is implementing enhanced security measures, including reinforcing visitor protocols, ensuring staff ID badges are visible, reviewing lobby security, retraining staff on interior security, and applying for a School Safety Grant to secure a School Resource Officer. A district security team member will remain on campus for the remainder of the year.
What support is available for the victim and the community?
The Phoenix Police Department is ensuring the victim’s family has access to support services during this difficult time. The school district is committed to reviewing and enhancing safety procedures to prevent future incidents and maintain a secure environment for students and staff.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Suspect’s Name | Abel Kai Gblah |
| Age | 25 |
| Victim’s Age | 10 |
| Location | Orangewood Elementary School, Phoenix, Arizona |
| Date of Incident | November 19, 2025 |
| Charges Against Suspect | Sexual assault, kidnapping, probation violation |
| Suspect’s Criminal History | Convicted in 2021 for sexual conduct with a minor |
| School’s Response | Enhanced security measures, review of safety protocols |
| Community Support | Access to support services for the victim’s family |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
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