Recently, a doorbell camera caught what LAPD officers are calling a possible kidnapping in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles.
According to reports, witnesses called the LAPD when they heard a woman screaming for help. The witnesses themselves didn’t see the actual kidnapping occur, though they heard the woman scream and watched a white Toyota Prius (they believe) race away from the scene. Over the course of the investigation, officers were able to obtain video footage from the doorbell camera at the residence where the woman was allegedly kidnapped from. The film, unfortunately, doesn’t capture any images of what caused the woman to begin screaming. However, some witnesses claim they saw a man in the white Prius pulling the hair of a screaming female passenger.
LAPD detectives are looking for information from anyone who may know the woman or the driver of the vehicle. They’re asking anyone with info to call Southwest Area Detectives at 213-485-2197.
Kidnapping is covered under California Penal Code 207 PC and is described as moving a victim a substantial distance, and using force or fear to do so. In order for kidnapping charges to be pressed, a prosecutor must prove that the victim was actually moved a substantial distance. One cannot be charged with kidnapping if the distance the alleged victim was moved was trivial, it must be substantial. Whether the movement was substantial or not depends on a variety of factors, including the actual distance the victim was moved, whether moving the victim placed them in a state of increased risk of harm, and if the movement reduced the risk of (the defendant) being caught. It’s also important that the movement occurs without the alleged victim’s consent, and that fore or fear was used to do so.
The crime of kidnapping is punishable by strict penalties. Simple kidnapping is punishable by a California state prison sentence of 3, 5, or 8 years as well as a maximum $10,000 fine.
