A Santa Clarita man accused of trying to kidnap a teenage girl from a Canyon Country parking lot is expected back in court next month.

Santos Martinez, 39, was in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing setting date, which is the first step in his trial.

He was arrested June 5 around 10 a.m., after he allegedly approached a 15-year-old girl and began asking for her name and phone number, said Sgt. Michael Konecny of the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.

When he asked if he could kiss her, the girl attempted to move away from the suspect, but he followed her.

The suspect then grabbed the girl in a bear hug, attempting to drag her across the parking lot. Witnesses heard the girl yelling, and were able to save her from the suspect, Konecny said.

The suspect fled down an alley, where deputies found and arrested him.

Officials confirmed Martinez was intoxicated at the time of his arrest.

Martinez will face several charges stemming from the allegations.

He will face kidnapping charges because he dragged the girl about 30 feet across the parking lot, officials said.

“He’s being charged with kidnapping and annoying children,” said Shirley Miller, a spokeswoman for the SCV Sheriff’s Station.

He’s currently being held at the Pitchess Detention Center in lieu of $70,000 bail.

He’s due back in court for an additional hearing September 29.

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