​On Sunday, August 13, 2017 at approximately 2:45 am, officers from the Azusa Police Department went to the 200 block of E. First Street in regards to a kidnapping investigation.

The officers met with a female victim who alleged that while she was standing on the sidewalk waiting for a ride, a vehicle approached from the west and stopped. A male passenger exited the van and forced the victim into the back seat. As the van drove away east on First Street, she was able to fight off the kidnapper and exit the van.  The van and suspects left the area.

The van is described as a black mini van, similar to a Nissan Quest. There was no further information about the van provided by the victim.  The van was occupied by a male driver, a male seated in the front passenger seat, and a male rear passenger. The males are adults, and their faces were covered.

Have Information?

This crime occurred near some gas stations which are frequented heavily in the night time hours, by travelers on the I-210 freeway. If you have any information about this crime, the suspect vehicle, or know the identity of the suspects, we want to hear from you. Please call the Azusa Police Department at (626) 812-3200, and request to speak to the detective bureau.

Don't Become A Kidnapping Victim

We want you to be safe when you are in public, regardless of where you may be located. Please review these tips with your loved ones to help keep you safe:

• ​During hours of darkness, stay in well-lit areas
• Have a friend or family member with you
• Make eye contact with everyone in close proximity. You want to send a message to potential attackers that you are alert and that you can describe the suspect to the police
• IT CAN WAIT; Avoid using your mobile device when you are not familiar of your surroundings, or those people in close proximity
• If you are physically attacked, scream or yell as loud as possible, and fight your attacker. You want to draw as much attention to the suspect, which is definitely not what they want
• Remember as much as you can about the suspects and their vehicle
• Call 911. Do not call family members, friends, or co-workers before calling the police. You will only delay our response and the possible apprehension of your attackers.
• If you are a juvenile, do not talk with strangers, or reveal anything personal.