Long Beach
Police Department

Media Relations
400 W. Broadway
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 570-5273
6/15/2018
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEPress Release #
Subject:
KIDNAP INVESTIGATION FOUND TO BE PROSTITUTION INCIDENT
Contact:
Media Relations
(562) 570-5273






On June 15, 2018 at approximately 6:20 A.M., officers were dispatched to the area of Long Beach Boulevard and Artesia Boulevard regarding a possible kidnapping. The calling party stated they saw a male adult grab a female by her waist and put her in the front seat of the van.

We received very detailed information from the calling party and that information was quickly shared with local and regional partners, as well as the media. Further details of the descriptions are provided below. During the investigation, we were advised by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, that deputies had located the van at a motel in the 16400 block of Lakewood Blvd. in the City of Bellflower.

Homicide detectives responded to that location and contacted the driver who cooperated with the investigation. After interviewing the driver, Homicide detectives requested the assistance of Vice detectives that specialize in prostitution and human trafficking investigations. Vice detectives believe the incident is a case of prostitution, not a kidnapping. The investigation is going to be handed over to Vice detectives for further follow up regarding the prostitution and/or human trafficking.

We want to commend the calling party for following the “See Something, Say Something” philosophy by reporting what they thought was a possible kidnapping. We take all reports very seriously and in this incident committed numerous resources to the investigation. We encourage others to be vigilant and report suspicious activities.

We would also like to thank the media, local and regional partners, specifically the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department for their assistance. This is the perfect example of public safety through partnerships.

Anyone with additional information is asked to call Vice Detectives at (562) 570-7219. Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smart phone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.

Preliminary Information Below:

THE LONG BEACH POLICE DEPARTMENT IS WORKING A POSSIBLE KIDNAPPING AND IS ASKING FOR THE PUBLICS HELP PLEASE PUT OUT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

On 6/15/18 at approx. 6:20 AM, officers were dispatched to the Long Beach Bl and Artesia regarding a possible kidnapping. The calling party said they saw a Male Black late 30 - 40 years-old grab a female Hispanic 13 - 16 years-old by her waist and put her in the front seat of the van.

Van is described as a 1996 – 2000 Chevy Express Passenger Van white in color with windows all around. Window behind the driver has a sun-shade with an upside-down Honda Logo. Back window of the van has a Red Temporary Registration card with a white #6 on it. The plate on the vehicle is a decorative plate with “FMU” on it possibly white and Red.

Suspect is described as a Male Black, 30-40 years-old, bald with dark skin, 6’, heavy set with a “Beer Belly”, red and white baseball cap, white, red and orange horizontal striped polo shirt, white t-shirt under and hanging below the bottom of the polo shirt, Light Blue jean shorts that go past the knee.

Victim is described as a female Hispanic Light Skinned, 13 – 16 years-old, 5’3” to 5’4”, thin build, short hair, wearing black zip-up hoodie, black tight pants.

Anyone with information is urged to call 911 or Homicide Detectives at (562) 570-7244.Anonymous tips may be submitted through "LA Crime Stoppers" by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the "P3 Tips" app to your smart phone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.