Commerce Kidnapping Suspect Arrested, Victim Still Being Sought

Commerce Kidnapping Suspect Arrested, Victim Still Being Sought
A man in handcuffs in a file photo. (Philippe Huguen/AFP/Getty Images)
City News Service
4/26/2023
Updated:
4/26/2023
0:00

COMMERCE, Calif.—A man suspected of kidnapping a woman at gunpoint in Commerce was arrested April 26, but the victim was still missing.

The unidentified suspect was taken into custody around 2 p.m. Wednesday and booked on suspicion of kidnapping and abduction, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. His car was also recovered and impounded.

Sheriff’s officials said the victim was walking and talking on her cell phone at 4:21 p.m. Tuesday, and appeared to be trying to get away from somebody. As she approached the 2200 block of Couts Avenue, the suspect pulled his car into a nearby driveway, got out of the car, hit the victim with a pistol and forced her into the passenger side of the vehicle, and drove away south of Cowlin Avenue.

The victim (L), suspect (C), and suspect's vehicle was caught on surveillance video in Commerce, Calif., on April 25, 2023. (Courtesy of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)
The victim (L), suspect (C), and suspect's vehicle was caught on surveillance video in Commerce, Calif., on April 25, 2023. (Courtesy of Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department)

The encounter was caught on surveillance video.

The woman, who has not been identified, has dark brownish-red hair and was wearing a black dress and sandals, sheriff’s officials said.

Anyone with information was asked to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crime Bureau at 562-946-7037. Callers who choose to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477.