False Carjacking Report Results in Arrest NR17208dm

Los Angeles: Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department’s 77th Division are investigating a Carjacking report that resulted in the arrest of the reporting victim.

On July 6, 2017, around 4:30 p.m., 77th Division officers responded to a radio call of a “Carjacking” at 47th Street and Figueroa Street in the city of Los Angeles. Officers met with victim Charlene Gaston who stated her vehicle had been taken at gun point by a female suspect named Kandace Johnson. Gaston further stated a 16-year-old male was in the back seat of her vehicle when it was taken.

Detectives investigation revealed there was no carjacking, nor was there a minor child involved at any time. Gaston had loaned her vehicle to Johnson several days prior and Johnson refused to return it to her. Gaston’s motive behind the false report is unknown, but it is believed she simply wanted to create a scenario that would warrant police response. Her false claim led to numerous police resources being utilized, as well as the issuance of a statewide Amber Alert.

Gaston was arrested on July 7, 2017, at 10:15 a.m., and booked at LAPD’s 77th Street Station for 148.5 PC,

Filing a False Police Report.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to contact 77th Division detectives at 323-786-5420. During non-business hours or on weekends, calls should be directed to 1-877-LAPD-24-7 (1-877-527-3247). 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.