Guy Tries to Kidnap Underage Girl, Fails, Arrested

José Maldonado

When José Maldonado exited his parked car Monday afternoon, knife in hand and a t-shirt partially cover his face, to try to kidnap an juvenile girl walking home, he probably didn't expect her to fight back. He also probably didn't realize her father was down the street running towards them. So he stopped and drove away before anything serious happened.

Well, crime doesn't pay, especially when numerous people see you in the light of day.

Yesterday, a few days after the incident at Osborne Street and Canterbury Avenue in the North Hills area, the LAPD arrested him without incident. He later confessed to detectives.

While the case seems pretty much a slam dunk in court, Detective Paul Bishop isn't done. Today, the police released Maldonado's photo asking the media to spread the word because they believe there could be more victims he may have stalked. And more witnesses or victims possibly means more jail time for Maldonado who Bishop believes is quite dangerous.

Maldonado lived on the 13000 block of Montague Street in the Arleta/Pacoima area on the same street where a charter school is located.

Anyone with more information about the incident or who has been a victim of a similar crime related to this suspect is urged to contact Mission Division Detectives Bishop or Gonzales at (818) 838-9810. After hours or on weekends, calls may be directed to a 24-hour, toll-free number at 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (527-3247). Callers may also text “Crimes” with a cell phone or log on to www.lapdonline.org and click on web tips. When using a cell phone, all messages should begin with “LAPD.” Tipsters may remain anonymous.