Arroyo Pacific Academy high school teacher John Edward Maust allegedly kidnapped three pupils

A HIGH schoolteacher has been charged after he allegedly kidnapped three students.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said John Edward Maust, a teacher at Arroyo Pacific Academy in Arcadia, Califoia, has been charged with kidnapping after the students, all 17-year-olds, spotted him walking on a street in Altadena, Hews Media Group reported.

The teacher, who appeared to be drunk, allegedly asked for a ride, to which the driver agreed. During the ride, an alleged conversation with the teacher caused the driver to become worried and the driver pulled the car over to the kerb.

The students left the car and the teacher told them he wanted to go to “Jack in the Box,” and ordered them back into the car. Fearing for their wellbeing, the juveniles re-entered the car. Then the teacher allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened them.

One student called emergency services and when Maust saw a sheriff’s helicopter overhead, he ordered the driver to stop and fled, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said.

Today, Maust surrendered at the Altadena sheriff’s station and was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping, false imprisonment and criminal threats.

He was being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.