Charges Filed Against Santa Monica Man Accused of Assaulting UCLA Students

A 24-year-old man has been charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and sexual assault of a UCLA student, prompting authorities to warn that there may be additional victims.

The suspect, identified as Alexander Schechter, a Santa Monica resident, was arrested by UCLA Police on March 20. He faces charges that include felony counts of rape by force, forcible oral copulation, robbery, extortion, and assault.

Schechter was apprehended at his home and taken to the Los Angeles County Jail. His bail was set at $600,000, but he has since been released.

The arrest was linked to an incident that occurred near the UCLA campus in early March. According to reports, around 3 a.m. on March 8, two female UCLA students were exiting their vehicle when Schechter allegedly blocked them, threatening violence if they tried to leave.

After the students feared for their safety, Schechter is said to have driven them approximately half a mile before stopping. Fortunately, the victims remained safe in a nearby area.

Authorities were able to identify Schechter within a few days, leading to his arrest on charges that included kidnapping and making false accusations. After being booked, he was released on bail.

In the course of the investigation, evidence emerged linking Schechter to a previously unreported sexual assault of another woman in Los Angeles, occurring on October 12, 2025. Police believe there is substantial cause for additional charges as they continue to look into the case.

Authorities are actively searching for anyone with more information about Schechter’s alleged actions. Notably, he has no known connections to UCLA, according to officials.

The case is set to be forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review.