A Redwood City high school student accused of trying to rape a teacher in a school parking lot last month has pleaded not guilty to sexual assault and kidnapping charges in San Mateo County Superior Court.
David Velasquez, 19, was arrested Jan. 23, hours after a female teacher at Summit Preparatory Charter High School was attacked at knifepoint while walking to her car at about 5:15 p.m.
Prosecutors allege that Velasquez emerged from some bushes near the parking lot and put a knife to the teacher's side, then ordered her to walk to her car and get in.
According to the district attorney's office, he then allegedly threatened to kill her if she did not do what she was told.
The victim recognized Velasquez' voice and intentionally dropped her car keys in order to delay him, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors said Velasquez then pushed the woman to the ground, got on top of her and tried to pry her legs apart with his elbow.
Another teacher entered the parking lot and screamed at the attacker, causing him to get up and run away.
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Velasquez was taken into custody later that day.
On Wednesday, Velasquez entered not-guilty pleas to charges of assault with intent to commit rape, kidnapping with intent to rape, false imprisonment and making criminal threats, according to the district attorney's office.
He remains in custody on $1 million bail and is scheduled to be back in court for a preliminary hearing on March 15.
