Two Unrelated Kidnapping Cases in North Hills

Los Angeles police are investigating two separate kidnapping incidents that occurred in North Hills during March. One suspect has been arrested, while authorities continue to search for another individual connected to a different case.

March 15th Kidnapping Attempt

Details of the Incident

On March 15th, a suspect attempted to lure two girls, ages 11 and 16, into his vehicle on the 8900 block of Lemona Avenue. Initially declining a ride, the girls later accepted when the suspect approached them again near Nordhoff Street and Columbus Avenue.

According to police reports, the suspect drove past their intended destination, locked the car doors, and parked. He then allegedly made inappropriate requests to the girls, who were able to escape after screaming. The suspect remains outstanding and is described as a man in his early 20s. Police have released a sketch to aid in his identification.

March 27th Kidnapping and Arrest

Incident on Sepulveda Boulevard

The second kidnapping occurred on March 27th, just before 10 a.m., at the intersection of Sepulveda Boulevard and Parthenia Street. “The victim and her mother had voluntarily entered the vehicle and went to get food. As the mother stepped out of the vehicle to go to the rear seat with her daughter, the suspect accelerated away with the victim still inside,” stated LAPD Captain Garrett Peyton.

Police have since arrested a suspect in connection with this kidnapping. His vehicle has been impounded as evidence, and the investigation is ongoing. Authorities have confirmed that this suspect is not the same individual sought in the March 15th incident.

Increased Vigilance Advised

Following the initial kidnapping report, the Mission Area police have received numerous reports of attempted kidnappings and women being approached by unknown vehicles. “Ever since the March 15 incident I have been getting calls from women all the way from Long Beach, to Santa Clarita,” said LAPD Detective Efren Gutierrez.

These reports include instances of women being asked for their phone numbers and receiving unwanted comments about their appearance. Police are urging women in the North Hills area to remain vigilant and to avoid approaching or engaging with unfamiliar cars.