By Lookout Staff

July 12, 2024 -- Police officers were out in force Friday afternoon searching for a four-year-old girl kidnapped from a restaurant near Pico and Lincoln Boulevards.

Officers were on the scene minutes after dispatch received a "frantic call" from the grandmother at 12:11 p.m., according to police officials.

Responding officers gathered "video images of the probable kidnapper and child to send to additional units who were on their way," said Myesha Morrison, the Police Department's Public Information Officer (PIO).

"All available field resources, including more than 30 sworn and civilian personnel, flooded the area, searching for the subject, described as a heavyset white female in her 30s," Morrison said.

At 12:37 p.m., the SMPD's Downtown Services Unit officers found the suspect and child in a room at the Holiday Motel at 11th Street and Pico Boulevard, according to officials.

"Thankfully, the child was unharmed and the suspect was taken into custody," Morrison said.

The investigation is in its beginning stages and police cannot confirm the suspect's criminal history, Morrison said.

"It appears she has been residing at the Holiday Motel for an extended period of time, but it is too soon to confirm any (further) details," she added.

The suspect will be booked into Santa Monica jail on kidnapping charges, and police will provide updates with the suspect’s name and booking photo within 24 hours, according to police officials.

Additional updates will be provided when the case is presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, they said.

"Our heartfelt best wishes go out to the child and her family as they deal with the shock of this ordeal," Morrison said.

"We will do everything we can to make sure they are helped through this time and also to make sure no stone is left unturned in the investigation."