Los Angeles: On Thursday, October 25, 2001, at approximately 9:45 A.M., detectives assigned to Detective Support Division, working in an undercover capacity, were conducting a Kidnap for Ransom investigation. The detectives located the victim who was in the custody of two kidnap suspects. The victim and suspects were seated in a vehicle parked on the southwest corner of Century Boulevard and Hoover Street.

The suspects, subsequently identified as Dario Jimenez, male Hispanic, 19 years of age and Tony Medina, male Hispanic, 25 years of age, exited the vehicle with the victim. The suspects and victim walked to the southeast corner of Century Boulevard and Hoover Street. As the suspects and victim walked to the parking lot in front of 648 W. Century Boulevard, several detectives, including Detective Robert Binder, 35 years of age and 11 years with the Department, approached them, identified themselves as police officers and ordered the suspects to stop and raise their hands. Suspect Jimenez turned away from the detectives and attempted to run south on Hoover Street. Jimenez fell to the sidewalk, drew a semi automatic pistol from his waistband and pointed the gun at Detective Binder. In fear for his life, Detective Binder fired at Jimenez with his department issued rifle, missing him. Jimenez surrendered and was taken into custody. He was not injured. His loaded pistol was recovered where he fell.

In the meantime, Suspect Medina had run east through the parking lot. He discarded a revolver in a trashcan and hid behind a truck. He was subsequently taken into custody without incident. His loaded revolver was recovered from the trashcan. The kidnap victim was not injured.

The suspects were booked for 209 A PC (Kidnap for Ransom) at Jail Division. Bail for each suspect has been set at $525,000.00.

Information for this press release was provided by Lt II Rick Papke, Critical Incident Investigation Division.

This press release was prepared by Officer Don Cox, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.