Two Girls Narrowly Escape Attack Suspect

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, December 19, 2000

"Two Girls Narrowly Escape Attack Suspect"

Los Angeles – On December 17, 2000, at approximately 5:40 p.m., a male suspect attempted to kidnap two female juveniles from the 300 block of South Alvarado Street. He was armed with a handgun and fired one shot during the assault. One of the girls escaped and called 911, and then returned to help her friend escape. They fled to a nearby apartment and waited for police to arrive.

Within minutes of the call being broadcast, two officers arrived at the location. The girls saw the officers and ran out to meet them. The girls pointed out the suspect to the officers, who was entering a building across the street. The officers quickly directed responding units to contain the suspect in the building. With the help of LAPD’s Rampart Division officers, an LAPD air support unit, and a K-9 unit, the suspect was apprehended in some bushes behind the building.

Shepe Gonzalez, a 25-year-old male Hispanic Los Angeles resident, was arrested at the scene and booked for attempt kidnap with intent to commit sexual assault. His posted bail is $500,000.

Anyone inquiring for further information regarding this incident is urged to contact Rampart Community Police Station at 213-485-4061.

This press release was prepared by Officer Danielle Lee, Media Relations Section, 213-485-3586.

For Release 5:00 pm PST
December 19, 2000