Man Soliciting Nannies at Local Park

Los Angeles: Los Angeles police are asking for the public’s help in identifying a man who has solicited at least two women to buy babies in their care. Both incidents occurred this week near the swing area of Genesta Park in Encino.

One nanny, who was approached, reported both incidents to police on April 11, 2007. In the first occurrence, a man in his 40s approached her at the park around 2:30 PM on April 9. He offered to buy the baby she was watching, but the woman declined.

The next day, April 10, the same nanny saw the same man approach another nanny who was caring for a baby. After the man left, the first nanny approached the second and asked her what the man wanted. The woman confirmed that he offered to buy her baby.

"This type of behavior is quite unusual," said LAPD spokesman Lieutenant Paul Vernon. "We’d like to identify this man as quickly as possible, and we’d also like the second nanny, or any other person who has had a similar contact, to call police."

The man, in his 40s, is White with blue eyes. He is bald and stands about 5 feet 7 inches. He was last seen wearing a yellow shirt and blue jeans.

Parents are encouraged to question their children’s nannies about any similar contacts and report it to police.

Anyone recognizing this suspect in the park should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Detectives are interviewing the nanny to create a composite sketch, which will be released as soon as it is available.

Persons with information should call Detective Moses Castillo, Juvenile Division, at 213-485-4220. On weekends or during off-hours, call the 24-hour toll free number at 1-877-LAWFULL (1-877-529-3855).