Possible Kidnapping Now Prostitution or Human Trafficking Case

Published by admin on Jun 15, 2018
LBPD Media Relations
On June 15, 2018 at approximately 6:20 A.M., officers were dispatched to the area of Long Beach Boulevard and Artesia Boulevard regarding a possible kidnapping. The calling party stated they saw a male adult grab a female by her waist and put her in the front seat of the van.

We received very detailed information from the calling party and that information was quickly shared with local and regional partners, as well as the media. Further details of the descriptions are provided below. During the investigation, we were advised by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, that deputies had located the van at a motel in the 16400 block of Lakewood Blvd. in the City of Bellflower.

Homicide detectives responded to that location and contacted the driver who cooperated with the investigation. After interviewing the driver, homicide detectives requested the assistance of vice detectives that specialize in prostitution and human trafficking investigations. Vice detectives believe the incident is a case of prostitution, not a kidnapping. The investigation is going to be handed over to vice detectives for further follow up regarding the prostitution and/or human trafficking. 

We want to commend the calling party for following the “See Something, Say Something” philosophy by reporting what they thought was a possible kidnapping. We take all reports very seriously and in this incident committed numerous resources to the investigation. We encourage others to be vigilant and report suspicious activities.

We would also like to thank the media, local and regional partners, specifically the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance. This is the perfect example of public safety through partnerships. 

Anyone with additional information is asked to call Vice Detectives at (562) 570-7219. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smart phone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.

[Earlier news release]

On June 15 at approximately 6:20 a.m. officers were dispatched to Long Beach Boulevard and Artesia Avenue regarding a possible kidnapping. The calling party said they saw a male black, 30-40 years old, grab a female Hispanic, 13-16 years old, by her waist and put her in the front seat of a van.

The van is described as a 1996–2000 Chevy Express passenger van, white in color, with windows all around. The window behind the driver has a sun shade with an upside-down Honda logo. The back window of the van has a red temporary registration card with a white No. 6 on it. The vehicle has a decorative plate with “FMU” on it ,possibly white and red.

The suspect is described as bald with dark skin, 6 feet tall, heavy set with a “beer belly,” red and white baseball cap, wearing a white, red and orange horizontal striped polo shirt, with white T-shirt under and hanging below the bottom of the polo shirt, light blue jean shorts that extend past the knee.

The victim is described as a female Hispanic, light skinned, 13–16 years old, 5’3” to 5’4”, thin build, short hair, wearing a black zip-up hoodie and black tight pants.

Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or homicide detectives at (562) 570-7244. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smart phone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org

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