Search Continues For Suspected Kidnapper In Koreatown
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — Police continued to search on Thursday for a suspected kidnapper in the Harvard Heights area.
On Aug. 10, a man scaled a fence and attempted to kidnap a 2-year-old boy and a toddler by physically grabbing them from inside an apartment, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
However, the victim's sister was able to rescue the toddlers before they were abducted.
Detectives said the suspect was then caught on security video driving away in a red pickup truck.
According to police, a similar incident took place on Wednesday morning.
A half-naked man asked a woman for directions while he sat inside of a white Chevy Astro van, located in the 2100 block of Washington Boulevard.
The man then proceeded to show her porn on his cellphone.
"In Spanish, the suspect said to her 'get in the van or you know what will happen'," said LAPD Lt. Jonathan Tom.
According to the victim, a handgun was in plain sight in the van's center console, which prompted her to leave the scene and notify authorities.
Officers explained there is a chance the two incidents may be related.
"If its the same suspect, or even if its not, its someone who is not scared to be seen," added Tom. "Its someone who is willing to use force if necessary."
Detectives described the suspect as a Hispanic man who was last seen wearing a wide-brimmed hat. He has braces with blue rubber bands.
The white van he drove has a utility rack on it.
Anyone with information regarding the identity of the suspect or his whereabouts has been urged to contact the LAPD Olympic Division at (213) 382-9102.
