Los Angeles - - On Thursday, January 30, 2003, at 2:30 p.m. the suspect identified as Randell Cedric Nelson, male Black, with a date of birth 06-17-70 and the biological father, stopped his vehicle at the location of the victims who were standing in the area of 47^th Street and Wesley Avenue. The suspect exited his vehicle armed with a handgun. The suspect stated that he would kill victim #1 (biological uncle) if he did not give the suspect his son victim #2, identified as Randell Nelson Jr., male Black 5 years of age. Victim #1 initially refused until the suspect began to pull the trigger of the handgun. Victim #1 gave the suspect his son (victim #2).

On January 31, 2003, at 10:00 a.m. an unidentified acquaintance of the suspect dropped victim #2 off at the 77^th Street Police Station. The child was unharmed and reunited with his mother.

An arrest warrant has been issued for the suspect.

Persons with information regarding this matter should contact 77^th Street Sex Crimes unit at 213-485-2504. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, 1-877-LAWFULL, 1-877-529-3855.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Renee’ Montoya, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

UPDATE:

Detectives continued their investigation and as a result of information developed during this time, they were able to arrest the suspect on January 31, 2003, at approximately 7:00 p.m., at an undisclosed location in the city of Los Angeles. He is to be booked at 77^th Community Police Station for Attempt Murder and Kidnapping, bail has been set at $2,000,000.00.