At a Glance
- Two suspects grabbed a victim late Wednesday in Lake Balboa and demanded ransom
- California Highway Patrol tracked the vehicle after the forced ransom call
- Both alleged kidnappers arrested Thursday; victim was roughed up but survived
- Why it matters: Police say the kidnapping appears gang-related and the parties knew each other, signaling targeted violence rather than random attack
A brazen kidnapping-for-ransom plot in the San Fernando Valley collapsed after officers intercepted the suspects’ vehicle and rescued the victim, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The abduction began late Wednesday night in Lake Balboa, where the two suspects picked up the victim. Investigators told News Of Losangeles the kidnappers assaulted the victim and then forced the person to place a ransom call to secure their own release.
That call became the key break authorities needed. The California Highway Patrol traced the location of the suspects’ vehicle, enabling officers to move in and arrest both alleged kidnappers on Thursday.
Police described the incident as gang-related and emphasized that the suspects and the victim are acquainted. Investigators have not released the names of those taken into custody or the amount of ransom demanded.
How the Abduction Unfolded
Wednesday night timeline:
- Late evening: Suspects pick up victim in Lake Balboa
- Victim physically assaulted
- Kidnappers compel victim to phone someone for ransom money
- Authorities receive the ransom call and begin tracking
Officers did not specify how long the victim was held, but the window between the ransom demand and the arrests spanned less than 24 hours.
Arrest Details
The California Highway Patrol spearheaded the vehicle tracking once the ransom call provided a digital lead. Ground units converged on the location, taking both suspects into custody without further incident.
Police have not disclosed:
- The exact location of the arrests
- Whether weapons were recovered
- The current condition of the victim
- Specific charges filed
LAPD detectives continue to interview witnesses and review surveillance footage from the Lake Balboa pickup site.
Key Takeaways
- Quick coordination between LAPD and CHP ended the kidnapping within a day
- Forced ransom call provided the actionable lead that saved the victim
- Gang nexus and prior relationship between suspects and victim point to targeted crime
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact LAPD Valley Bureau detectives.
