Kidnapping Attempts In Venice, Torrance Could Be Related

VENICE (CBSLA.com) — Attempted kidnappings of teenage girls in Venice and Torrance could be the work of the same suspect, police said Friday.

Los Angeles police want to warn the public of a recent kidnapping attempt by a man whose composite sketch closely resembles one issued by the Torrance Police Department in October.

The most recent kidnapping attempt was made Saturday at 10:30 p.m. at Lincoln Boulevard and Milwood Avenue in Venice. A man approached a 13-year-old girl and asked her if she needed a ride as she was walking away, police said. He then grabbed her arm, and the girl kicked him and he let go.

The girl ran away and last saw the man driving away, police said.

At about 7 a.m. on Oct. 16, Torrance police say a 16-year-old girl was crossing the street at Artesia and Crenshaw on her way to North High School, when a man drove up to her on Artesia and stopped, ordering her to "Get in my car!" The girl continued to walk southbound on Crenshaw, past the suspect, who made a U-turn on Crenshaw and headed back toward her, police said.

As the girl approached 177th Street, the driver stopped in the crosswalk and blocked her path, again ordering her to get in, police said. She walked around the front of the car and kept going south on Crenshaw, but the man again ordered her to get in, then said he would pay her, according to police.

Police say the girl continued to ignore the man and soon met with a friend.

The Venice suspect was described as a white male who is roughly 5 feet 10 inches tall and 150 pounds. He's between 35 and 40 years old and has a receding hairline. The Torrance suspect was described similarly, with short, straight, dark brown hair, brown eyes, a medium build, moles on his cheeks, a chapped/cracked mouth and bitten nails. He was wearing a gray-and-white striped beanie, green sweatshirt and blue jeans.

The Venice suspect was driving a car described as a white four-door sedan, while the Torrance suspect's vehicle was described as a silver or gray, newer Honda four-door sedan with unknown white, non-paper plates.

Anyone with information about the Torrance attempt can call (310)328-3456. Information about the Venice attempt can be given to LAPD Pacific Area Robbery detectives by calling (310)482-6313.