Attempted Kidnapping Suspect Wanted In Monterey Park

MONTEREY PARK (CBSLA.com) — Police sought the public's help Friday to locate and identify an attempted kidnapping suspect in the city of Monterey Park.

Shortly after 7 a.m. on Thursday, officers were sent to the 600 block of North Orange Avenue for report of an attempted kidnapping, according to the Monterey Park Police Department.

Upon their arrival, authorities located a 16-year-old girl who reported she encountered the suspect while walking to school.

A preliminary investigation revealed the suspect pulled into a driveway and blocked the sidewalk where the victim was walking. He then attempted to engage her in conversation.

"When the victim attempted to walk away, the suspect exited the vehicle and grabbed the victim from behind," said Det. Sgt. Rick Munder. "[He] then attempted to force her into his vehicle."

Police said the victim screamed and was released by the suspect.

He then got back into the car and fled southbound on Orange Avenue.

Detectives have described the suspect as a Hispanic man who spoke with a Spanish accent, is unshaven, has shaved short black hair and is believed to be between 20 and 30-years-old.

He stands 5-foot-8 tall, has a thin build and was last seen wearing a black long sleeve T-shirt with blue jeans.

The vehicle was described as an early to mid 2000s Chevy Colorado or GMC Canyon. The vehicle is white in color with a black bed liner, tinted windows and oversized five-spoke wheel rims.

The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this crime has been urged to contact the Monterey Park Police Department at (626) 573-1311.