12-Year-Old Girl's Accused Attempted Kidnapper Arrested In Long Beach

LONG BEACH, CA — A man accused of attempting to kidnap a 12-year-old girl near Washington Middle School on June 1 was arrested this week, the Long Beach Police Department announced Wednesday.

According to authorities, on the morning of the incident, the girl was walking in the area at about 7:40 a.m. when she was approached by an adult man who tried to engage her in conversation.

Police said the girl ignored him multiple times before the suspect, who was identified as Eugene Martindale III, came up from behind the girl, wrapped his arms around her and attempted to kidnap her. The girl was able to free herself from Martindale's grip, run away and report the incident to LBPD, police said.

Additional investigation into the incident led authorities to identify Martindale as a suspect and warrant an issue for his arrest. Martindale was arrested on June 11 by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department in the City of Carson.

Detectives believe that Martindale may have committed other crimes and encouraged any additional victims to come forward to aid in the investigation. Anyone with information can contact the Sex Crimes Detail at 562-570-7368.

Anonymous reports can be submitted by calling 800-222-8477 or online at LACrimeStoppers.org.