UPDATE: Hermosa Beach statement on abduction attempt

Hermosa Beach Police Department

Press Release 

April 6, 2009 

For Immediate Release

"Hermosa Beach woman fights off would-be abductors that tried to pull her into their van."

Suspects: Three male Hispanic adults

Dark clothing

Suspect Vehicle: Dirty older White Van with sliding door and small back windows. 

Victim: Female Adult, 20's, Identity Withheld

Hermosa Beach Resident 

Synopsis:

On 04-06-09 at about 2:00PM HBPD officers responded to a report of an attempted kidnapping. The victim was walking in the area of 4th Street in Hermosa Beach. The described van pulled up near the victim with the two suspects seated in the cab and one in the back. One of the suspects asked the victim for directions. As the victim approached the van to give directions, the van door swung open, and one of the suspects tried to physically pull the victim into the van. The victim saw ropes inside the van. The victim fought back, and was able to escape from the suspects grasp. The victim fled the area and called police. The van was last seen fleeing the area in an unknown direction.

HBPD officers along with surrounding agencies checked the area for the suspect with negative results.

This incident may be related to a similar incident that occurred in Redondo Beach on 01-03-09.

Anyone with information about either incident is encouraged to call Detective Dorothy Scheid at (310) 318-0360.