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An unsettling encounter unfolded in Los Angeles on Sunday when two teenage girls narrowly avoided an attempted kidnapping, as reported by the Los Angeles Police Department.
Detective Efren Gutierrez detailed that the incident began at North Hills Community Park, where the girls, aged 13 and 16, were initially approached. A man drove up beside them in the late afternoon, proposing a ride, which they wisely declined, opting to continue on foot instead.
Despite their refusal, the suspect reappeared several blocks down, persisting in his offer. The girls once again turned him down.
Undeterred, the man followed the teens and, on his third attempt, extended the invitation once more. This time, the girls decided to accept.
According to Gutierrez, the teenagers entered the man’s vehicle, which then proceeded to travel eastward.
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“However, instead of going to the location where the girls instructed him to, the suspect drove to the area of Sunburst and Lemona Avenue … it’s a residential neighborhood, but it’s secluded enough … not enough people or vehicle traffic around,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez said the suspect locked the car doors and offered the girls money, alcohol and drugs. He then unzipped his shorts where he asked for sexual favors in exchange for money, Gutierrez said.
“The girls were frightened,” he said. “They were able to jump out of the car. The first girl jumped out while the car was stationary, and the second girl jumped out of the car while it was in motion.”
Neither girl was injured, and both screamed for help as the suspect sped away.
The investigation remains ongoing. A detailed description of the suspect was not immediately available. He was described only as a man in his early 20s.
Anyone with information is urged to contact police.
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