Authorities are asking for the public’s help to solve a possible kidnapping after audible screams were captured on a doorbell security system in the Leimert Park area of South Los Angeles.
Officers responded to a potential kidnapping about 11:20 p.m. Nov. 12 in the 3800 block of Third Avenue, the Los Angeles Police Department said.
The female victim can be heard screaming for help several times as witnesses walked out of their homes and saw a white vehicle speed down Third Avenue toward 39th Street with the rear hatch open and a woman continuing to scream for help.
Several witnesses also reported hearing the person—described only as Black female with dark, braided hair—as she screamed, “Help me, somebody help me,’’ police said.
The vehicle was initially described as a Toyota Prius, but later corrected to be a 2003 to 2008 Toyota Matrix with black rims, according to the LAPD, which will release photos of the vehicle this morning in the hopes the pictures will generate additional leads to investigate.
The possible victim was believed to be in the front passenger seat and a Black male was apparently at the wheel as the vehicle sped off, police said.
“The suspect was heard shouting, ‘I’m sorry, I’m sorry,’’ police said.
One witness told police the possible victim’s hair was being pulled backward as she screamed and that the vehicle had “plastic wrap over the front passenger side window’’ from a possible prior crash.
Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call LAPD Southwest Division detectives at (213) 485-2197.
After hours or on weekends, calls can be directed to (877) LAPD-24-7. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS or lacrimestoppers.org.
