Incident Involving a Baby Sea Lion at Dockweiler Beach NR15135rh

Los Angeles: The Los Angeles Police Department Pacific Area is asking for the public’s help in providing any information that may lead to the identification and arrest of the suspects responsible for the taking of a baby sea lion from Dockweiler Beach.

On April 19, 2015, around 3 a.m., Pacific division officers responded to a radio call regarding a baby sea lion being taken from Dockweiler Beach. When officers arrived they met with a witness who observed two male suspects and two female suspects harassing and taunting two baby sea lions at Dockweiler Beach.

The suspects were seen taking one baby sea lion, entered a vehicle and fled from the location with the baby sea lion.

The vehicle is described as a dark, 2-door, Honda Civic with California plates. The last two numbers of the license plate are “56”.

The suspects are described as two male Hispanics and two female Hispanics between the ages of 20-25 years-old.

The Marine Animal Rescue responded and the second baby sea lion was rescued. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries hotline (800-853-1964) was notified, due to the baby sea lion being a protected species under the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA).

The LAPD is initiating a cruelty to animal criminal investigation. NOAA is also initiating an investigation into the taking of the baby sea lion.

Anyone with information on the suspects or the sea lion pups may contact Pacific Station at (310) 482-6334. Calls can also be made to 1-877-LAPD-24-7(877-527-3247). Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (800)-222-8477). Tipsters may also contact Crime Stoppers by texting to phone number 274637(C-R-I-M-E-S on most keypads) with a cell phone. All text messages should begin with the letters”LAPD.” Tipsters may also go to www.LAPDOonline.org, click on “webtips” and follow the prompts.