Los Angeles: Central Area Homicide Detectives are investigating the death of a 66 year-old man who died after attempting to stop a crime.

On Saturday, July 3, 2004, at about 12:20 p.m., Central Area patrol officers responded to a radio call in the 600 block of Maple Street. When the officers arrived they were met by a Los Angeles City General Services officer. The General Services officer told police he was driving southbound on Maple Street when he was flagged down by witnesses who were detaining a suspect that had attempted to kidnap a five year-old girl.

According to witnesses, the suspect, who was later identified as 50 year-old Mark Jackson, and a resident of Los Angeles, had attempted to forcibly take a five year-old girl from her mother's arms at the Maple Restaurant, located at 232 East 6^th Street. Jackson left the restaurant without the child but returned a short time later. A Hispanic man who was in the restaurant confronted Jackson and tried to protect the mother and child. During the confrontation witnesses saw Jackson punch the man in the face then left the restaurant. Jackson was caught by witnesses and held for the police.

Detectives’ investigation revealed that the male victim, who remained back at the restaurant, had complained of pain after being hit in the face. Los Angeles City Fire Department paramedics respond to the scene and transported the victim to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The victim’s identity has been determined but is being withheld pending the notification to his family.

On July 6, 2004, Central Area Detectives filed the case with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Mr. Jackson was charged with one count of Murder and one count of Attempt Kidnap and is being held without bail.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to call Central Area Homicide Detectives, at 213-972-1249. On weekends and during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at the Detective Information Desk, at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

This news release was prepared by Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.