The Westminster Police Department is asking for the public’s help in locating potential witnesses to a possible kidnapping attempt that occurred on October 2, 2025.
At approximately 3:40 PM, a young girl was walking home from school near the intersection of Brookhurst Street and Bishop Place when she encountered a parked vehicle. A male suspect asked her for directions and then exposed himself to her. He then exited his vehicle, blocked her path, and repeatedly urged her to get in, attempting to prevent her from leaving.
The suspect is described as approximately 5’7″ and weighing around 200 pounds. He was wearing a white and blue short-sleeve button-down shirt and dark pants, along with a face mask that covered his mouth and nose, which had a “dinosaurs” print.
The victim was able to escape and ran towards a woman and her child, prompting the suspect to flee. He was last seen driving an older model gray sedan heading westbound towards Bushard Street.
The Westminster Police Department is attempting to identify the woman the victim ran towards and seeking anyone who may have information or witnessed the attempted kidnapping.
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Detective J. Barnes at (714) 548-3784 or the Westminster Police Watch Commander at (714) 548-3767. Thank you for your assistance.
Here are the potential penalties the suspect could face under California law:
- Attempted Kidnapping (Penal Code §664/207)
- Attempted crimes generally carry half the sentence of the completed crime.
- Standard kidnapping is punishable by 3, 5, or 8 years in state prison.
- Attempted kidnapping typically carries 18 months, 2.5 years, or 4 years in state prison.
- Fines up to $10,000.
- Counts as a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
- If the victim is under 14 years old, penalties can be enhanced, and judges often impose the maximum sentence.
- Ind*cent Exposure (Penal Code §314)
- First offense: Usually a misdemeanor, punishable by up to 6 months in county jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
- Aggravated cases (e.g., involving a minor or entering an inhabited dwelling): Can be charged as a felony with up to 3 years in state prison and fines up to $10,000.
- Mandatory sex offender registration for at least 10 years under California’s tiered system.
- Additional Possible Charges
- False Imprisonment (Penal Code §236) if prosecutors argue the suspect unlawfully restrained the victim. This can be a misdemeanor or felony depending on whether force or menace was used.