Suspect Sought in Attempted Kidnappings

Gardena - Gardena police asked the public's help on Monday in identifying a suspect wanted in connection with two kidnapping attempts in the South Bay in the last two weeks.

A 20-year-old college student was walking home last Tuesday in the area of 156th Street and Atkinson Avenue in Gardena when she was approached by a man in a bright red newer model red pickup truck, said Lt. Steve Prendergast of the Gardena Police Department.

He tried to lure her into his vehicle, and gave chase as she ran away.

He finally stopped chasing and fled, Prendergast said.

A kidnapping attempt of a 9-year-old girl and her 11-year-old brother was reported Feb. 26 in Redondo Beach, he said.

The suspect is described as white, about 45, with tanned skin and wavy shoulder-length dirty blond hair.

Anyone with information on the attempted kidnappings asked to call Gardena police detectives at (310) 217-9607.