Suspect Captured in Attempted Kidnapping for Sexual Assault Crime Spree NR13096bb

Los Angeles: Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) North Hollywood Division and Robbery Homicide Division(RHD) Detectives captured a suspect wanted in a crime spree that included attempted kidnappings for sexual assault.  Detectives are seeking any other potential victims or witnesses. The suspect is known to frequent the Burbank area and resides in La Crescenta.

On March 22, 2013, the suspect, later identified as 37-year-old Jason Kies of La Crescenta, attempted to kidnap two female victims in the North Hollywood area. The first occurrence was on Ben Avenue between Hesby Street and Addison Street.  Around 8 a.m., Kies grabbed the victim and attempted to force her into his vehicle as she exited her vehicle on a residential street.

At noon on the same day, Kies attempted to steal property at a Marshall’s Department Store located on Ventura Boulevard near Vineland Avenue where he fought with a security guard and fled without taking any property.  Then around 1 p.m., Kies followed a second victim while she was jogging in the area of Tujunga Avenue and Sarah Street.  He assaulted this victim and attempted to force her into his vehicle.

North Hollywood Detectives worked throughout the afternoon to determine the identity of the suspect.  Kies was identified as a potential suspect.  RHD detectives immediately responded and sought out Kies in the La Crescenta area of Los Angeles County.  RHD detectives placed Kies under surveillance.  He was observed following a lone female jogger in La Crescenta, slowly following her along side streets. Detectives quickly moved to prevent any further acts of violence and took Kies into custody without incident.

Throughout this series of brutal attacks, the suspect was driving a gray GMC SUV. The suspect was also seen wearing sunglasses that he did not have in his possession when arrested.  The suspect was described as wearing a black RVCA baseball cap, black shoes, gray shorts and a gray shirt.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact North Hollywood Sexual Assault Detectives Pinner or Perez at 818-623-4090 or 818-623-4045.  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 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.lapdonline.org, and click on "Anonymous Web Tips.”