LAPD is hoping for some help from the public to identify a suspect captured on video surveillance attempting to kidnap a toddler in broad daylight.
The incident took place on October 18, around 6:00 p.m. The victim went to a local restaurant on the 100 block of West Manchester Avenue, as she was leaving, the suspect walked up to her in the parking and demanded that she hand over her young brother, a 1-year-old.
The suspect then tried to grab the toddler, claiming he was her child.
The victim screamed for help and ran back into the restaurant.
he same suspect then made her way to the 8000 block of South Main Street and entered a gated apartment courtyard, where several children were playing, and grabbed a 5-year-old child and tried to leave the area with him. Family members observed the suspect trying to carry out the child and stopped suspect from taking him.
The suspect has been described as a Latina, with short cropped brown hair, between 20 to 35-years-old, about 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs around 135 pounds. She was wearing a white shirt, light green shorts, and dark slippers.
Residents in the area should consider the following:
· Always be alert to your surroundings and the people around you.
· Try to stay in well-lit areas.
· If you feel you're being followed, walk to a well-populated area.
· Report the crime to the police. Try to describe the attacker accurately.
· Your actions can help prevent others from becoming victims.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact 77th Division, Crimes Against Person Detectives, Detective Preciado at 323-786-5412. During non-business hours or on the weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637 (C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters "LAPD." Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOnline.org, click on "webtips" and follow the prompts.