This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Child Predator Kidnapped And Harmed Toddler Before Dropping Her Off, Police Say
A child predator kidnapped a two-year-old girl from a Gardena car wash on Thursday afternoon and dropped her off injured hours later at an intersection miles away.
Police are searching for the suspect who snatched the toddler around 5 p.m. at the self-service car wash located near 149th Street and Western Avenue, reported CBS Los Angeles. The child's mother told Gardena police that her daughter wandered away while she was vacuuming her car. She heard her daughter yell out "Mommy," but when she went to look for her, she was nowhere to be found.
Authorities went on a massive search for the girl, going door-to-door near the car wash, putting up flyers, and using loudspeakers in patrol cars asking local residents to be on the lookout, according to the L.A. Times.
Gardena police Lt. Steve Prendergast told the Times that the kidnapper was a child predator, and that the girl had been injured when they found her. However, he didn't say how she was injured.
"I haven't seen a crime like this in the 20 years I've been in Gardena," Prednergast told NBC Los Angeles.
The toddler was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Lynwood to get checked out, though it's not clear what condition she is in. She is now at home with her family.
Police released surveillance video today showing what they believe is the suspect's car, which is possibly a white, four-door Nissan Altima from the years of 2008-2012.
Sponsored message
Anyone with information was urged to call Gardena police at 310-217-9670.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
