Attempted Kidnapping Suspect Arrested in Venice Beach NR20010jl

Venice Beach: Los Angeles
Police Department Pacific Division detectives are investigating an
attempted kidnapping of a young child in Venice Beach.

On January 4, 2020, around 7:00 p.m., the victim, a six-year-old
female was with her family visiting Venice Beach when the suspect
approached her and stated that he knew her and that he had to “save
her.” The suspect then followed the victim until she was placed in
her mother’s lap who was sitting outside of a local restaurant. The
suspect reached for the child but was stopped by being forcefully
pushed away by a member of the victim’s family. Several seconds
later, the suspect attempted to grab the girl again. This time, the
victim’s family member was able to grab the suspect and throw him
to the ground. He wrestled with the suspect for several minutes
until LAPD Pacific Division officers responded and took the suspect
into custody.

The suspect, Evan McLaurin-Nelson, DOB:
4/15/1988, is a former Las Vegas resident who appears to have moved
to California three years ago and is believed to be homeless. He
has an arrest record in California as well as in Nevada that
includes battery, indecent exposure, false imprisonment, and
disorderly conduct.

Anyone with information about this incident or additional incidents
involving this suspect are asked to call Pacific Area robbery
detective, Carlos Carias at (310) 482-6372. During non-business
hours, or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7
(877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the
LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go
directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit
www.lapdonline.org and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the “Get
Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly,
tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and
select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.