Transient Arrested on Suspicion of Kidnapping Teenager in Malibu

A transient accused of kidnapping a teenager at a Pacific Coast Highway intersection in Malibu last week is behind bars today on $2 million bail.

Alexis Fantauzzi, 28, faces felony charges of kidnapping for carjacking, kidnapping with the intent to commit another crime, annoy or molest a child, vandalism and attempting escape from arrest, according to Nicole Nishida, a sheriff's public information officer.

Fantauzzi was in and out of county jail three times on assault and burglary charges in May, and was most recently released on May 26, according to court records.

Fantauzzi is accused of jumping into the girl’s car while she was stopped at the traffic signal at Webb Way and Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu about 6:30 a.m. Tuesday, June 12, Nishida said. The teenager was on her way to school.

The girl was held against her will as she and the man drove around Malibu for several hours, according to Sgt. Dan Scott of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Special Victims Bureau.

“He stopped to get gas. She had gotten the attention of a bystander who called the Lost Hills/Malibu Sheriff’s Station,” Scott said.

Deputies located the vehicle and arrested Fantauzzi, Scott said. He would not say where the girl was found. The bystander, Scott said, played a significant role in providing information that led to her rescue.

The girl, whose name and age were withheld to protect her identity, is back with her family.

Several people contacted Malibu Patch last week, expressing concern that authorities had not yet released information about the abduction.

Fantauzzi is due in court at the Los Angeles Airport Courthouse on June 28, records show.