Registered Sex Offender Suspected of At Least One Kidnapping Attempt Arrested in Whittier

Whittier Police have arrested a suspected kidnapper who may be tied to other recent kidnappings in the area. 41-year-old David Polanco, a registered sex offender, was detained by witnesses Wednesday afternoon, when he was believed to be in the process of kidnapping an 18-year-old woman.

According to Whittier PD, Polance met the victim earlier in the day, and the two spent several hours walking around the Uptown Whittier area. However, the victim says while walking in an alley, Polanco grabbed her around the waist from behind and attempted to pull her away.

Witnesses who saw the struggle called authorities. Polanco fled when he learned the police had been notified, however witnesses were able to get a hold of him physically and detain him until the police arrived.

Recently there have been several reports of kidnappings and attempted kidnappings in the Whittier area, particularly at or near city parks. Police say it is too early in their investigation to link Polanco to those cases, however they are hoping that circulating Polanco's photograph they may identify other possible victims.

Polanco is being charged with kidnapping and being held on $100,050.00 bail.

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