The Berkeley Police Department arrested a 25-year-old Stockton man on suspicion of statutory rape after a missing 15-year-old girl was located in his home.
On the morning of July 20, a family reported their daughter Pooja Nafri missing from their southwest Berkeley home, according to a city press release. In a BPD Nixle alert, Nafri was described as having a medium build and long black hair as well as possibly wearing a blue jean jacket and white sandals.
Nafri was considered at risk because of her age, the Nixle alert adds. She had not been seen since midnight July 20.
During the ensuing investigation, BPD detectives discovered a possible connection to the Stockton man, the press release states. The detectives then proceeded to obtain a warrant for the man’s home.
Nafri was eventually found in the man’s home, and the man was initially arrested on suspicion of child-stealing as well as arranging and meeting with a minor for lewd and lascivious behavior, according to the press release. Further investigation into the events of Nafri’s disappearance prompted the addition of statutory rape.
“We are thankful we were able to reunite the missing 15-year-old with her family and we are grateful for the community’s assistance in locating her,” the press release reads.
