Los Angeles police are searching for a man who was caught on camera allegedly trying to kidnap a girl as she walked home from school before neighbors intervened.
According to a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) press release, the incident occurred in the Wilmington neighborhood near M Street and Gulf Avenue on October 21 at approximately 3:15 p.m. The man, described as a white or Hispanic man possibly in his 20s or 30s, is seen on video approaching the 11-year-old girl from behind and inappropriately fondling her.
“Hey, leave me alone,” Yvonne, a good Samaritan who lives in the area, can be heard shouting in the video after she noticed what was happening.
Yvonne said the suspect tried to tell her before leaving that the girl was his niece, but he didn't believe her. She and her brother pursued the suspect, who fled in a gray Nissan Kicks.
Texas teen arrested 3 months after shooting dead music manager after paying fake money
Los Angeles Police Department releases photos of attempted kidnapping and sexual assault felon suspect. (Los Angeles Police Department)
Yvonne, who has lived in the area for many years, told FOX 11 she's thankful she was in the right place at the right time to save the girl, who was apparently walking home from Wilmington Middle School. .
According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the suspect's car had a Space Wheel installed on the rear passenger side. They also said the suspect is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs approximately 240 pounds.
Los Angeles Police Department: Parents turn their children in for flash mob robbery at 7-Eleven
A suspect in the attempted kidnapping was seen on video walking up to the girl, and police say he touched her inappropriately. (FOX11 Los Angeles)
According to police, the man is suspected of attempted kidnapping and sexual assault.
A suspected kidnapping suspect was caught on video touching an 11-year-old girl. (FOX11 Los Angeles)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Anyone with information about the suspect is asked to call Harbor Area Detectives at 310-726-7900. If you wish to remain anonymous, please call LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.
