HB Restaurant Employee Kidnapped, Sexually Assaulted

Hermosa Beach and Gardena police are investigating a kidnapping and rape that allegedly took place in the early hours of Sunday, March 17.

The Hermosa police department received a call about the incident, which culminated with sexual assaults in Gardena, said Hermosa Beach Interim Police Chief Steve Johnson Monday night.

The female victim apparently is an employee of a Hermosa restaurant who, after she got off work, went to other restaurants, said Johnson. During that time, she consumed 5 to 6 alcoholic drinks and conversed with a male she did not know.

When she walked to her, parked on 15th Court in its first block, the same male said he needed a ride home and entered her vehicle. At some point, the man allegedly struck the victim repeatedly and took over as the vehicle's driver, said Johnson.

He sexually assaulted her several times at an undisclosed Gardena location before she was able to escape.

The man is described as Hispanic, 27 years old, 150 lbs., 5'5" to 5'7". He wore blue Vans shoes, blue jeans, a white undershirt and a plaid button up. He had a shaved head and beard growth, said Johnson.

HBPD is following through on leads, said Johnson, adding that the victim felt she could identify the suspect if she saw him again.