Kidnap/Robbery Attempt Fails

Los Angeles – On September 14, 2000, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Victim Frank Ha Hong male Korean, 32 years of age, was with four associates (suspects) inside a white Cadillac El Dorado stopped at the intersection of 4th Street and Kenmore Avenue. The suspects allegedly became upset with Hong and began to physically assault him. He escaped through the side window, falling onto the street. The suspects again attacked Hong, kicking and punching him until he was unconscious. The suspects placed Hong into the trunk of their vehicle and drove away.

A citizen reported the crime and a Rampart Area patrol unit responded, and located the suspect’s vehicle. After following the suspects for a short time, the suspects abandoned their vehicle and fled on Benton Way from London Street. A perimeter was established and all four suspects were taken into custody. Mr. Hong was treated and released from an area hospital.

Suspect #1 Choe, Jae Cheol 25 years of age
Suspect #2 Cho, Sung Kun 22 years of age
Suspect #3 Kong, Tae 29 years of age
Suspect #4 Lee, Young Jo 24 years of age

All four suspects were arrested and booked for "Kidnap to commit Robbery." Bail has been set at $500,000.00.

Detective’s Sang Han and Ron Kim, Asian Crime Investigation Section, are handling the investigation. Please direct all inquiries to the Media Relations Section, at 213-485-3586.

This press release was prepared by Public Information Officer Trevion Stokes, Media Relations Section.