Two Teen Girls Escape Kidnapping After Jumping Out of Car in LA

The suspect, who is still at large, is believed to frequent the area where the girls were abducted.

Mar. 18, 2026 at 2:21am

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Two teenage girls, ages 12 and 16, escaped a suspected kidnapping in Los Angeles by jumping out of their abductor's car. The incident occurred on Sunday evening in the North Hills neighborhood, where the girls were approached by a man who repeatedly offered them a ride before they eventually got into his vehicle. The suspect then allegedly locked the doors, offered the girls money, alcohol and drugs, and unzipped his shorts while asking for sexual favors. The girls were able to escape the vehicle, with one exiting while it was stopped and the other jumping out as it was in motion. The suspect, described as a 21-year-old Hispanic male, is still at large.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the ongoing threat of child abduction and the importance of community vigilance and police efforts to apprehend suspected predators. The girls' quick thinking and bravery likely saved them from a much worse fate, but the fact that the suspect remains at large is concerning for the safety of the local community.

The details

According to police, the girls were walking near North Hills Park when they were approached by the suspect, who repeatedly offered them a ride. The girls initially declined, but eventually got into the vehicle near Nordhoff Street and Columbus Avenue. The suspect then allegedly locked the doors and drove the girls to a cul-de-sac, where he offered them money, alcohol and drugs, and unzipped his shorts while asking for sexual favors. The girls were able to escape the vehicle, with one exiting while it was stopped and the other jumping out as it was in motion. Neither girl was physically injured.

  • The incident occurred on Sunday, March 17, 2026 around 5:20 p.m. in the North Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles.
  • The girls were first approached by the suspect near North Hills Park at Columbus Avenue and Acre Street.
  • The girls eventually got into the suspect's vehicle near Nordhoff Street and Columbus Avenue.

The players

The Suspect

A 21-year-old Hispanic male with black hair and brown eyes, weighing approximately 200 pounds, with tattoos on both arms. He was last seen driving an older model four-door sedan with an unknown license plate.

The Two Teenage Girls

Two girls, ages 12 and 16, who were able to escape their abductor's vehicle by jumping out.

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What they’re saying

“The suspect drove the girls to a cul-de-sac near Sunburst Street and Lemona Avenue, instead of the destination they had provided. Once there, he allegedly locked the doors, offered the girls money, alcohol and drugs, and unzipped his shorts while asking for sexual favors in exchange for money.”

— Detective Efren Gutierrez

What’s next

The investigation remains ongoing, and police are urging the public to come forward with any information that could help identify and locate the suspect.

The takeaway

This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of community vigilance and the need for continued efforts to protect vulnerable individuals, especially children, from predatory behavior. The girls' quick thinking and bravery likely saved them from a much worse fate, but the fact that the suspect remains at large is concerning and underscores the ongoing work required to ensure the safety of all community members.