Parents in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles say they are keeping a close eye on their kids as police continue to search for a suspect in the sexual assault and attempted kidnapping of an 11-year-old girl earlier this week.
“I’m very, very high alert right now. I talked to a few parents this morning … and everybody is watching out for each other’s kids,” Jason Legaspi said. Some parents told KTLA Thursday morning that they would not let their kids walk to school.
Safety concerns have been raised due to an incident captured on Ring video around 3:15 p.m. Monday as a girl was walking near M Street and Gulf Avenue.
A male suspect approached the victim from behind, fondled her breasts, and attempted to take her from the area, the Los Angeles Police Department stated.
Surveillance video captured the suspect sexually assaulting the girl and attempting to kidnap her in a Wilmington neighborhood on Oct. 21, 2024. (viewer image) Nearby surveillance video captured the male suspect following the young girl across the street in a Wilimngton neighborhood on Oct. 21, 2024. (viewer image) The suspect’s gray Nissan Kicks compact crossover SUV is seen in a photo from the Los Angeles Police Department. (viewer image) The suspect is seen with his gray Nissan Kicks compact crossover SUV is seen in a photo from the Los Angeles Police Department. (viewer image)
A resident can be heard on the Ring video screaming “Hey, leave her alone.” The woman, who did not want to be identified, said that the suspect tried to tell her that the victim was his niece.
“I knew better,” she said. “Then, by the time I decided to come out the little girl was gone.”
Police are still searching for the suspect who was described as a White or Hispanic man between 20 and 30 years old. He was said to be 5 feet 10 inches tall and weigh about 240 pounds.
The suspect was driving a gray Nissan Kicks with a spare tire on the rear passenger side.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect or has information on the case is asked to call Harbor Area detectives at 310-726-7900. The public can also call LAPD at 1-877-527-3247.
Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org.
