LAPD searching for victims of kidnappings, robberies targeting elderly

Los Angeles police are asking for the public’s help to find additional victims of two people accused of kidnapping and robbing elderly victims during a six-month crime spree.

The “kidnap for robbery” incidents took place from June to November in various areas across the city, including in South L.A., Boyle Heights and MacArthur Park.

According to the Los Angeles Police Department, the two suspects have been identified and apprehended, but it’s believed there are more victims that have not come forward.

The suspects, who were not named by police, would allegedly drive up in a mid-2010s gray Ford Focus hatchback and engage in conversation with an elderly victim, often claiming to be affiliated with a local church.

One of the suspects would then get out of the car and threaten the victim with physical violence or a handgun, forcing them into their vehicle to drive them to another location where they would demand money or jewelry and continue to threaten to hurt them if they didn’t comply.

Detectives from the LAPD Newtown division were eventually able to identify the suspects and their vehicle and the two were arrested some time this month.

On Tuesday, police released two images of the vehicle used in the kidnappings and robberies in hopes that additional victims that have not been contacted might see them and come forward.

Anyone with information about the crimes or potential victims is urged to contact the robbery investigators with LAPD Newton Division at 323-846-6572. Anonymous tips can be provided online or by calling 800-222-8477.

Los Angeles police are asking for the public’s help to find additional victims of two people accused of kidnapping and robbing elderly victims during a six-month crime spree. The “kidnap for robbery” incidents took place from June to November in various areas across the city, including in South L.A., Boyle Heights and MacArthur Park. According […]