In a harrowing incident in Los Angeles on Sunday afternoon, two young girls managed to escape a potential kidnapper. The unsettling event has prompted a search by the Los Angeles police for the suspect who allegedly coerced the girls into his vehicle before locking them inside, according to a report by KTLA.
The victims, aged 12 and 16, recounted to authorities that they were taking a stroll through North Hills Park around 5:30 p.m. when they were approached repeatedly by the man. After his persistence, the girls eventually accepted his offer for a ride. However, the situation took a sinister turn as the man drove to a residential area at Sunburst and Lemona Avenue instead of the destination the girls had specified.
Detective Efren Gutierrez explained to KABC that this location was particularly isolated, with minimal pedestrian and vehicle traffic, which may have been a deliberate choice by the suspect. Once there, the man allegedly offered the girls money, alcohol, and drugs, then proceeded to unzip his shorts and solicit sex in exchange for money.
In a brave act of desperation, the frightened girls managed to escape. The first girl leapt out of the car while it was stationary, and the second followed suit, jumping out even as the car was in motion. Their quick thinking and courage undoubtedly helped them evade a potentially dangerous situation.
Gutierrez said the man offered the girls money, alcohol, and drugs — then unzipped his short and asked for sex in exchange for money.
“The girls were frightened,” he said. “They were able to jump out of the car. The first girl jumped out while the car was stationary, and the second girl jumped out of the car while it was in motion.”
The girls screamed for help as the suspect sped away.
The kidnapper is described as 21 with black hair, brown eyes, and about 200 pounds with tattoos on both arms, according to KTLA. He was driving and 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 (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
