Woman narrowly escapes daylight kidnapping attempt in Santa Ana

Chilling security footage shows the 21-year-old victim fleeing from her assailants in a business park

Apr. 10, 2026 at 6:40pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a woman's swollen, reddened arm against a pitch-black background, conceptually representing the physical trauma and fear experienced by the victim during the attempted kidnapping.The victim's arm, bruised and swollen from the attacker's tight grip, is a stark reminder of the violence and terror she endured during the brazen daylight kidnapping attempt.Santa Ana Today

A 21-year-old woman in Santa Ana, California narrowly escaped an alleged kidnapping attempt by at least two men as she was going to work on Tuesday morning. Security camera footage shows the woman being ambushed by a man who grabbed her arm and tried to pull her into a waiting Ford Econoline van, but she was able to break free and sprint away.

Why it matters

Daylight kidnapping attempts are extremely rare and concerning, raising public safety fears in the Santa Ana community. The incident occurred in a quiet business district, underscoring the brazen nature of the crime and the need for increased security measures and vigilance.

The details

According to the victim's brother, the woman had just gotten out of her car when a man jumped out from behind a tree, grabbed her arm, and tried to pull her into a waiting Ford Econoline van with another man inside. The man's grip was so tight it left her arm red and swollen. However, the woman was able to wrench free and sprint away to safety.

  • The incident occurred on Tuesday morning around 8 a.m.

The players

21-year-old woman

The victim of the attempted kidnapping.

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What they’re saying

“'And as she turned to look to the voice … there was a man right behind a tree that sort of jumped out as she said it and grabbed her arm.'”

— Victim's brother

What’s next

The Santa Ana Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident and search for the suspects.

The takeaway

This brazen daylight kidnapping attempt in a quiet business district has shaken the Santa Ana community and raised urgent concerns about public safety. It underscores the need for increased security measures, community vigilance, and a thorough investigation to apprehend the suspects and prevent similar crimes.