Alleged kiss lands taekwondo teacher in jail

A Palo Alto martial arts instructor was arrested last week after a female student reported that he tried to kiss her when she was 17 years old, Palo Alto police said.

Jorge Alberto Tejada, 39, of Palo Alto, surrendered at the Santa Clara County Main Jail at 6:13 a.m. Thursday after a warrant was issued for his arrest, police said.

On May 23, police dispatch was notified of a sexual battery that had occurred in the past at Hiruko Wellness at 2741 Middlefield Road. The victim, now an adult, said that she had taken taekwondo lessons from Tejada since she was 11 years old, eventually becoming a part-time employee at the business.

In late 2013, when the victim was 17 years old and was alone with the suspect, he reportedly attempted to hold her in his arms and grab her face to kiss her. The victim repeatedly pulled away until he released her, police said.

Officers are unaware of any other victims, but anyone with information about the suspect or this case is encouraged to call Palo Alto’s 24-hour dispatch center at (650) 329-2413 or to leave an anonymous tip at (650) 383-8984.