Police Search for Suspect in Another Attempted Kidnapping

By Lookout Staff

May 11 -- Police are searching for a suspect who tried to kidnap a woman in a Downtown parking structure late Tuesday night with the intent to sexually assault her.

The incident -- which took place in a parking structure behind the Third Street Promenade -- is the second kidnapping attempt in two weeks in or near Downtown Santa Monica. (see story)

The victim was waiting alone at approximately 10:55 p.m. near an elevator on the 6th level of Parking Structure 5 at 1440 4th Street when the suspect approached her from behind, police said.

The suspect -- described as a medium complexioned Hispanic male in his 20s -- placed his hand across the victim's face while wrapping his other arm around her waist, according to police.

"As the suspect attempted to drag the victim toward an adjacent stairwell, she began resisting and screaming," said Lt. Alex Padilla, a police department spokesman.

The suspect -- who was last seen wearing a tan long-sleeved shirt and black pants -- fled the scene on foot, Padilla said.

The suspect is approximately 5'5" tall and weighs 160 pounds, police said. He has black hair worn slicked or gelled back.

The incident comes two weeks after a man -- described as a Hispanic in his fifties -- tried to kidnap a woman on Washington Avenue two blocks north of Downtown.

Anyone with information should call the Sex Crimes Unit of the Santa Monica Police Department at 310.458.8451 or the Watch Commander's Office at 310.458.8426.

Callers who wish to remain anonymous may also call the We-Tip national hotline at 1.800.78.CRIME (27463).