Man arrested in connection with reported kidnapping at East Los Angeles bus stop

Investigators said the victim was "in a dating relationship" with the suspect.
Tuesday, May 23, 2023
EAST LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A man was arrested Tuesday in connection with a reported kidnapping of a woman who was trying to board a bus in East Los Angeles, police announced.

It comes after authorities issued an alert, seeking the public's help in finding both the suspect and the victim.

Police say the suspect, whose full name wasn't immediately released, was arrested on Tuesday by officers with LAPD's Newton Division.

The incident occurred shortly after 8:30 p.m. Monday at a bus stop on E. Third Street, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.

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The alleged kidnapping was captured on surveillance video, but the department has not released the footage.

Authorities said the woman was trying to board a Montebello Transit bus when she was confronted from behind by the suspect. The bus driver and a passenger attempted to intervene before the man broke a window on the bus and retrieved a handgun from a nearby car.

The department said the man pointed the weapon at the bus driver and "appeared to coerce the female into the nearby vehicle," which then sped away east on Third Street toward the eastbound 60 Freeway.

During the suspect's arrest, officers recovered a replica firearm from his vehicle that resembled the firearm used during the alleged kidnapping.
Meanwhile, the victim was found unharmed.

Investigators said during an interview with her, they learned she was "in a dating relationship" with the suspect.

The suspect was arrested for kidnapping, assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism, police said.

Detectives will soon present their case to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have additional information is urged to contact the department's Major Crimes Bureau Tip Line at (562) 946-7893, or the East L.A. sheriff's station at (323) 264-4151.

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