Two Young Girls Escape Alleged Kidnapping Attempt by Jumping From Moving Car

By AUTUMN JOHNSON

It’s something you might expect to see in a Hollywood movie and not in a convenience store parking lot in California. Surveillance video captures the brave actions of 10-year-old girl and her toddler sister as they jump from their moving car after a stranger climbs in and begins to drive away with them during an alleged kidnapping attempt in Redlands on Sunday afternoon.

According to a statement released by police, the mother left the two girls, ages 10 and 2, in the running car while it was parked at a gas pump in the parking lot of the 7-Eleven located at 1161 Lugonia Ave.

On June 21 at about 12:41 p.m., the brazen suspect climbed into the 2002 Acura TL, occupied by only the two young girls, and drove away. The video shows the panicked mother as she runs from the store toward her car, just before the quick-thinking girls make the jump. Police officials said the girls sustained abrasions during the escape.

Police have identified Cory Michael Ahumada, 24, of Highland, as the suspect in the video. The stolen Acura, California license plate 4UWT026, was last seen entering the westbound 210 freeway from San Bernardino Avenue, police officials said.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Redlands Detective Mike Merriman at (909) 389-6675 or by email at mmerriman@redlandspolice.org or contact Police Dispatch at (909) 798-7681. Anonymous tips can be provided by texting 274637 using the keyword “REDTIP.”

Photo courtesy Redlands Police

Video courtesy Redlands Police via YouTube