Two girls — a 12-year-old and a 16-year-old — escaped a suspected kidnapper in Los Angeles Sunday afternoon after he allegedly offered them money, alcohol and drugs before making a sexual request in exchange for their release.
Background
The girls were walking together in North Hills Park just before 5:30 p.m. when the man approached them multiple times offering a ride, according to Detective Efren Gutierrez with the Los Angeles Police Department.
On his third attempt, the girls agreed to get into the man's car. The suspect drove to the area of Sunburst and Lemona Avenue — a residential neighborhood that is secluded, with minimal foot traffic or vehicle passage.
Detective Gutierrez told KABC the man offered the girls money, alcohol and drugs. He then unzipped his shorts and asked for sex in exchange for money.
The Investigation
The girls told police they were frightened but managed to escape. The first girl jumped out while the car was stationary, and the second girl jumped out while the vehicle was in motion. Both girls screamed for help as the suspect sped away.
The suspect is described as 21 years old with black hair, brown eyes and approximately 200 pounds. He has tattoos on both arms and was driving an older model four-door sedan.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Mission Area Detectives at (818) 838-9810 or the Mission Area Front Desk at (818) 838-9800. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.
Key Takeaways
- The victims, ages 12 and 16, escaped from the suspect's vehicle in the North Hills neighborhood
- The incident occurred just before 5:30 p.m. Sunday in the area of Sunburst and Lemona Avenue
- The suspect allegedly offered the girls money, alcohol and drugs before making a sexual request
- One victim exited the stationary vehicle while the other jumped from the moving car
- The suspect is described as a 21-year-old man with black hair, brown eyes and tattoos on both arms
- The suspect was driving an older model four-door sedan
What's Next
Los Angeles police continue to search for the suspect. Detectives are urging anyone with information to come forward as the investigation remains active. No arrests have been made in connection with the incident.