Authorities in Los Angeles are actively searching for a man who was captured on camera allegedly attempting to kidnap an 11-year-old girl as she walked home from school in the Wilmington area. The incident took place on October 21 around 3:15 p.m. near M Street and Gulf Avenue, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
The suspect, described as a White or Hispanic man possibly in his 20s or 30s, was seen on video approaching the young girl from behind and engaging in inappropriate behavior. A quick-thinking neighbor, identified as Ivonne, intervened upon witnessing the alarming situation.
Upon noticing the suspect's actions, Ivonne shouted at him to stop, prompting the man to claim that the girl was his niece before fleeing the scene. Despite Ivonne and her brother's efforts to follow the suspect, he managed to escape in a gray Nissan Kicks.
Ivonne, a resident of the neighborhood, expressed gratitude for being in the right place at the right time to prevent a potential tragedy. The victim, believed to be a student at Wilmington Middle School, was thankfully unharmed due to the swift actions of the neighbor.
The LAPD provided a description of the suspect's vehicle, noting that it has a space wheel mounted on the rear passenger side. Additionally, the suspect is reported to be approximately 5 feet, 10 inches tall and weighing around 240 pounds.
Law enforcement officials have classified the man as a sexual battery and attempted kidnapping suspect, urging anyone with information to contact Harbor Area detectives at 310-726-7900. Individuals wishing to provide anonymous tips can reach out to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or visit www.lacrimestoppers.org.
