Brazen Kidnapper Caught On Tape. Recognize Her?

LOS ANGELES, CA — Police in Los Angeles are asking for help identifying a brazen kidnapper who tried to snatch little boys in broad daylight during two attempted kidnappings this week. Both times witnesses stopped her as she was attempting to make her getaway.

The first attempted kidnapping was caught on a McDonald's security camera Tuesday in downtown Los Angeles. The chilling video shows a woman casually walk up to a 4-year-old boy inside the restaurant, pick him up and carry him outside. It happened in a matter of mere seconds without setting off any alarms among other diners.
"The suspect attempted to enter a parked vehicle with the victim but was stopped by a witness," police said.

She took off on foot after she was confronted, according to police. The incident happened at around 3:15 p.m. Tuesday at the McDonald's at 1310 E. Olympic Blvd.

Police believe the same woman struck again Wednesday in South Los Angeles. According to police, the woman attempted to kidnap a 4-year-old boy as he was walking down the street with a family member.
She approached the boy at about 11:15 a.m. on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard near San Pedro Street and attempted to walk away with him before being stopped by a witness, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Once again, she fled on foot.

The suspect is described as Hispanic or black, 25-30 years old, about 5 feet 4 inches tall and around 115 pounds. She has black hair and a possible scar or birthmark on her forehead and unknown tattoos, one above her left breast and another on her upper back and left shoulder.

Anyone who recognizes or has information about the woman was urged to call 213-486-6840 to speak with Detective Arroyo or Detective Moreno.

During non-business hours, calls should be directed to 877-LAPD-24-7.

Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers by calling 800- 222-TIPS or at lacrimestoppers.org.

City News Service contributed to this report.