VAN DRIVER CHARGED IN BOY'S ABDUCTION, ATTEMPTED MURDER; LIFE SENTENCE POSSIBLE IF MAN IS CONVICTED OF ALL ALLEGATIONS INCLUDED IN COMPLAINT.

Byline: City News Service

A Dial-a-Ride van driver was charged Tuesday with attempted murder and kidnapping with intent to molest a 10-year-old boy he allegedly picked up, tried to choke and left for dead in a remote area.

Mike Anthony White, 31, of Saugus, remained jailed in lieu of $1.15 million.

He faces up to life in prison if convicted of the charges.

They include one count each of attempted murder, assault with intent to commit child molestation, kidnapping a child under age 14, assault with force likely to produce great bodily harm and kidnapping with intent to commit child molestation, according to the district attorney's complaint.

Deputy District Attorney Rhonda C. Brody said White is accused of abducting the boy Friday from Parker Road and The Old Road in Castaic, and taking him to a remote spot in Val Verde.

He allegedly beat and tried to choke the child, who may have blacked out, and abandoned what he apparently thought was a corpse.

The boy had been waiting for a bus to a movie theater complex when a Dial-a-Ride van showed up, and the driver offered him a ride, KNBC4 reported.

White does not have a criminal record, city of Santa Clarita spokeswoman Gail Ortiz told the Daily News. Santa Clarita is a consolidated city, made up of Newhall, Valencia, Canyon Country and Saugus.

Ortiz said White has worked for ATC Vancom, the company that contracts with Santa Clarita for transportation services, for seven years, and that during that time there have been no complaints about him.