Sketch released of Montebello kidnapping suspect

MONTBELLO -- Police released a composite sketch Wednesday of a woman involved in the kidnapping for ransom of a motel worker in Montebello last month.
The woman was one of four kidnappers who abducted a female motel employee on Dec. 30 from the Quality Inn, 7709 Telegraph Road, Montebello police Sgt. Luis Lopez said in a written statement.
A woman pretended to be interested in renting a room at the motel and convinced the victim to accompany her to the parking lot, police said.
"The victim was pushed into the suspect vehicle," Lopez said. "Once in the vehicle, the victim was bound and blindfolded."
The kidnappers then demanded a ransom, police said.
The victim called fellow employees, explained she had been kidnapped and asked them to retrieve her personal checkbook and cash a large personal check for her. The employees called police.
The worker was dropped off several hours in the city of Inglewood with minor minor injuries to her face, Lopez said. The kidnappers fled with only some cell phones that belonged to the woman.
The woman who lured the victim and is featured in the composite sketch was described as a Latino woman in her early 30s, about 5 feet tall, 130-135 pounds, with short brown curly hair and dark eyes, officials said. She wore a purple or violet winter jacket.
Another woman, described as Latino and in her 30s with long, dark hair and a skinny face, police said. She wore a knitted hat.
Another woman and a driver were also inside the van, Lopez said, though no further description of them was available.
The suspects' van was described as a metallic-green minivan.
Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call Montebello police Detective J. Martinez at (323) 887-1250. After hours, Montebello police can be reached at (323) 887-1313.