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Los Angeles police search for man after two girls escape kidnapping attempt
The suspect is described as a 21-year-old Hispanic male with tattoos on both arms
Two teenage girls narrowly escaped a suspected kidnapping in Los Angeles over the weekend, authorities say, after bravely jumping from their abductor’s vehicle.
The incident occurred Sunday evening in the North Hills neighborhood, near North Hills Park at Columbus Avenue and Acre Street, around 5:20 p.m.
The girls, reported to be 12 and 16 years old, were approached by a man in a car who repeatedly offered them a ride.
After initially declining, the girls entered the vehicle during a third encounter near Nordhoff Street and Columbus Avenue, according to multiple reports.
Detective Efren Gutierrez told ABC7 that the suspect drove them to a cul-de-sac near Sunburst Street and Lemona Avenue rather than the destination the girls had mentioned.
Authorities allege that the man locked the doors, offered the girls money, alcohol, and drugs, and made sexual advances.
“The girls acted quickly and escaped,” Gutierrez said. One exited while the car was stopped, and the other jumped from the vehicle while it was in motion. Neither sustained physical injuries.
Police describe the suspect as a 21-year-old Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, approximately 200 pounds, and tattoos on both arms.
He was last seen driving an older-model four-door sedan with an unknown license plate.
Authorities believe he may frequent the area where the girls were approached and remain at large.
Anyone with information about the suspect is urged to contact the Los Angeles Police Department immediately.