Suspect Captured After Kidnapping, Robbing and Sexually Assaulting Victims

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, March 30, 1999

On Monday, March 29, 1999, just after 9:30 PM, a Black male approached a male and female victim who were seated inside their parked vehicle to the rear of the 13900 block of Ventura Boulevard. The suspect displayed a handgun and forced his way into the victim’s vehicle. The suspect ordered the victim’s at gunpoint to drive to various locations in the Van Nuys area. During this time, the female was sexually assaulted. The suspect fled the area on foot, with the victim’s money and jewelry. The suspect was captured by officers responding to the scene.

The suspect is identified as 22 year old Joseph Navar Downey. He was arrested and booked at Van Nuys Jail for Kidnapping for the purpose of Robbery and Sex. Bail has been set at over $1,000,000.00. Downey is described as an African American male, black hair, brown eyes, 6’1" tall, 310 pounds.

Van Nuys Area detectives are conducting an investigation to determine if Downey may be connected to other crimes in the area.

For Release 1:00 pm PST
March 30, 1999