Public’s Help Needed to Locate Kidnapped Woman

 
WHAT:
News Conference
WHEN:
Wednesday, February 4, 2004
6:00 p.m.
WHERE:
Southeast Area Police Station
145 West 108th Street
Los Angeles

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department’s Southeast Detectives are investigating the kidnap of Blanca Salas, 27 years of age. On Wednesday, February 4, 2004, at about 7:35 a.m., Ms. Salas walked out from her house, located in the 9500 block of South Bandera Street, and was kidnapped by her estranged husband. The husband forced Ms. Salas into her car and drove off from the scene.
The husband is Rafael Mata, a male Hispanic 29 years of age, also known as Jose Ortega. He has a history of domestic violence against Ms. Salas. He had been stalking Ms. Salas since their breakup and threatened to kill her if they did not reconcile. Mata also suffers from mental problems.
Ms. Salas’ car is a 2000 Nissan Altima, 4-door, green, with California license 4NHE209.
Mata was described as male Hispanic, black hair, brown eyes, 5’6", 150 lbs. He has a mustache and was last seen wearing a tan shirt and brown pants. Ms. Salas was last seen wearing a red sweater and blue jeans.
Photographs of both Ms. Salas and Mata will be made available during the news conference. Ms. Salas’ family members will also be present to appeal to the public.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Southeast Area Detectives, at 213-485-6902. On weekends and during off-hours, contact 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 Public Information Officer Jason Lee, Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.