Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department is requesting the media to provide the public with the following information to assist law enforcement efforts in locating a 12 year-old boy that was abducted by a family friend.

On January 30, 2004, at about 6:30 a.m., 12 year-old Ricardo Chavez, left his residence located in the Rampart Division to go to school, but did not return home. Ricardo’s mother became worried and contacted 42 year-old Daniel Paris Ariziel, a long time family friend. She asked Ariziel about Ricardo’s whereabouts and he told her that he did not know. After a brief conversation, Ariziel told her that Ricardo had just arrived to his motor home were he resides in the City of Redondo Beach.

The investigation has revealed that Ricardo arrived willingly to Ariziel’s place of residence. However, Ricardo’s mother has attempted to contact Ricardo on several occasions, but has not made contact with him since January 30. She told detectives that she talked to Ariziel via a cell phone as recently as the first week of February 2004 and during a conversation with him, Ariziel told her that Ricardo did not want to return home. Ariziel’s cell phone has since been disconnected.

Additionally, Ariziel told Ricardo’s mother that he would take Ricardo to school, however, school staff has reported that Ricardo has not attended school in the last 11 days. Ariziel also threatened to call the Department of Immigration if the Police Department was notified.

Ricardo Chavez is described as a male, Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 5’0-5’2, 130-140 pounds, with a medium build. He was last seen wearing a blue sweater with a hood, a white shirt and blue pants with white shoes.

Daniel Paris Ariziel is described as a male, Hispanic, with black hair, brown eyes, 5’10 tall, 250 pounds with a heavy build. His motor home is described as a 1982, Ford RV, license # 1EAJ628.

Rampart Area Detectives will be in charge of the investigation.

A photo of the missing boy, Ricardo Chavez and the suspect, Daniel Paris Ariziel will be available via e-mail through Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Lucy Diaz, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.