L.A.P.D. Issues C.A.R.E. Alert

November 3, 2002

 
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 14 year-old child that was abducted by a 23 year-old male acquaintance.
On November 2, 2002, at approximately 6:00 p.m., 14 year-old Leidia Fernandez Santiago was observed being accompanied by her neighbor, 23 year-old Mario Alberto Flores Ruvio.
At the time they were last seen together, both Ruvio and Santiago stated they were leaving Los Angeles, destined for San Jose, California, without the consent and permission of Santiago’s parents. The Los Angeles Police Department’s Rampart Area Detectives are investigating. LAPD detectives discovered that Ruvio had threatened Santiago’s family if they intervened and prevented he and the young girl from leaving the Los Angeles area. No weapon was used by the suspect. It is believed Ruvio and Santiago have taken public transportation, either a bus or train, to reach San Jose.
Suspect Mario Alberto Flores Ruvio is a 23 year-old male Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 5’6", 160 lbs., with a medium build. Ruvio was last seen wearing a gray plaid sweatshirt and black pants.
The missing child, 14 year-old Leidia Fernandez Santiago, is a female Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 5’3", 110 lbs. with a medium build. Santiago was last seen wearing a white and blue sweater and blue jeans.
Anyone with information should contact the Los Angeles Police Department Rampart Area Detectives at 213-207-2000. On weekends and off-hours, call the 24 hour toll free Detective Information Desk at 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

A photograph of Suspect Ruvio and Victim Santiago is available by contacting the Los Angeles Police Department’s Media Relations Section at 213-485-3586.

This media alert was prepared by Public Information Officer Jack Richter, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.