Details released on suspect arrested in Target kidnapping
A woman arrested on suspicion of kidnapping a 4-year-old boy from a Target store in Westlake only to be stopped in the parking lot was identified by police Thursday.
Twenty-seven-year-old Los Angeles resident Vanessa Yara Pineda was located and taken into custody Wednesday after being spotted by someone in the area of Magnolia Boulevard and Tujunga Avenue in North Hollywood, the Los Angeles Police Department stated in a news release.
A booking photo of Pineda was not provided by police but Sunday’s kidnapping attempt was captured on surveillance video, prompting the LAPD to release several images of the suspect shortly after the incident.
The kidnapping took place around 12:40 p.m. at the Target store located in the 600 block of South Virgil Avenue.
Pineda allegedly grabbed the boy from behind and carried him out of the store, only putting the child down after being confronted by his parents.
The victim’s family members told police they did not know the woman.
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Pineda was booked on suspicion of kidnapping and was being held on $1.25 million bail.
Anyone with further information was asked to call robbery detectives at 323-382-9460. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or go directly to www.lacrimestoppers.org.
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