A 4-year-old girl was reportedly taken from a California restaurant by a homeless woman, according to the Santa Monica Police Department. The incident occurred at a Panda Express where the girl’s grandmother called the police in a panic around noon. Law enforcement officers arrived promptly at the scene and began searching for the missing child.
Video footage helped identify the suspect as a heavyset white female in her 30s, leading to the discovery of the child and the suspect at a nearby motel. Fortunately, the child was unharmed, and the suspect was apprehended. The police expressed their relief that the child was safe and vowed to support the family throughout the investigation.
The suspect, whose name has not been disclosed, was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping. This incident follows previous violent encounters involving homeless individuals in Santa Monica, including the assault of a 73-year-old woman and the attempted rape of a female jogger.
Residents of Santa Monica have expressed concerns about the changing safety dynamics in the town, with one resident noting that the area is not what it used to be. The community is grappling with a rise in incidents involving homeless individuals and the impact on public safety.
As authorities continue to investigate the alleged abduction, the focus remains on ensuring the well-being of the child and her family. The Santa Monica Police Department is committed to leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to bring justice to the situation and address the underlying issues contributing to such incidents in the community.