Attempt Kidnap Suspect Arrested NR20225ma

Westlake: On August 18,
2020 around 1:30 p.m., the victim, a 6-year-old girl, and her
father, Cesar Palma, were on a Metro train when the suspect
approached Palma, who is legally blind, and asked him “Can I take
your daughter home?” After emphatically telling the suspect “no”
the suspect asked if Palma was blind and asked if he could help
them. Palma told the suspect he did not need any help. Palma and
the victim exited the train at 7th Street and Figueroa to board a
bus. While on the bus, the victim realized the suspect had followed
them and was in the rear of the bus. The victim told Palma she saw
the suspect. The victim and Palma exited the bus in the area of 7th
Street and Coronado Street. The suspect followed them and as they
were approaching their apartment complex the suspect grabbed the
victim’s arm. Palma was holding the victim’s hand and would not
release the victim. Palma began shouting at the suspect to leave
the victim alone. Palma’s shouting caught the attention of people
in the area. Several people began yelling at the suspect, who fled
on foot.

While officers were completing their report on the incident, one
witness provided officers with cell phone photos she took of the
suspect as he was fleeing. A second witness was in the area when
he saw some of the interaction between the suspect and victim.
The witness quickly could see there was something alarming
happening and told the suspect to leave the victim alone. Both
witnesses provided important information about the suspect to
officers.

Within days, Rampart detectives utilized Department computer
resources and were able to identify the suspect, 24-year-old
Elijah Lopez. Once Lopez was identified, Rampart detectives
issued a crime alert. The crime alert was shared throughout Los
Angeles County as well as San Diego County. During the
investigation, detectives had discovered Lopez had ties to San
Diego.

On September 2, 2020 Rampart detectives were contacted by San
Diego County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies had detained Lopez
based on the attempt kidnap incident. Rampart detectives
responded to San Diego and returned Lopez to Los Angeles where he
was booked for attempt kidnap.

If anyone believes they may have been a victim of Lopez or has
information regarding the incident please contact Detective Olmedo
of Rampart Division, at 213-484-3613. Anyone wishing to remain
anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at
1-800-222-TIPS (800-222-8477) or go directly to
www.lacrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may also visit
www.lapdonline.org, and click on “Anonymous Web Tips” under the
“Get Involved-Crime Stoppers” menu to submit an online tip. Lastly,
tipsters may also download the “P3 Tips” mobile application and
select the LA Regional Crime Stoppers as their local program.