Los Angeles: On October 4, 2005, at approximately 5:30 p.m. a seven-year-old girl was abducted from the sidewalk near Sunnybrae Avenue and Michale Street in Winnetka.  Devonshire Area police officers conducted a search of the neighborhood and the girl was located at 11:50 p.m. when she walked into the front door of a business after being dropped off by the suspect at Remmet Avenue and Roscoe Boulevard.

The investigation has determined that a suspect approached the victim on the sidewalk and forced her into his vehicle and drove her to a residence, possibly an upstairs apartment, where he sexually assaulted her.  Within hours the suspect drove the girl to a public location and released her.

Robbery-Homicide Division detectives now believe that the suspect in this child abduction is the same person who committed a similar crime four years ago.  On May 21, 2001, at approximately 8:15 p.m., a six-year-old girl was abducted from the sidewalk near Criswell Street and Kentland Avenue, in the community of Canoga Park, while riding her bicycle.  The suspect forced the girl into his vehicle, which she believed was a green pick-up truck, and drove her to a residence where he sexually assaulted her.  After the assault the suspect drove the victim to a residential area and released her.  No suspect was arrested in that case.  The descriptions of the two suspects are similar though not exact.  However, the suspect's actions in both cases are virtually identical.

The suspect is described as a male Hispanic, 5' 5"-5' 7", 120-140 lbs., thin build, 40-50 years old, gray hair, mustache, and eyebrows.  He may have green eyes.  He speaks English with a Spanish accent.  He told the victim his name was "George."  The vehicle is described as a newer year, black or dark colored pickup truck, possibly a 4-door extended cab, with an unknown gold metal object hanging from the rearview mirror.

On Friday October 14, 2005, the Los Angeles City Council approved a motion introduced by Councilman Greig Smith offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect in this most recent crime.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Detective J. Alvarado, Robbery-Homicide Division, Rape Special Section, at 213-485-2921.  On weekends or during off-hours, the public can call the toll-free, 24-hour anonymous tip line at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).

Crime Alert Bulletin