TL/DR –
A 4-year-old girl was abducted from a restaurant in Santa Monica while her grandmother was paying for their meal. The suspect, a woman in her 30s, was caught within 30 minutes of the abduction, and the child was returned unharmed. The woman, later identified as 31-year-old Breanna Taylor Shields, was arrested and charged with kidnapping, with a potential sentencing enhancement due to the victim’s age.
Santa Monica Child Kidnapping: 4-Year-Old Girl Safely Recovered
A 4-year-old girl was kidnapped in a terrifying incident from a restaurant in Santa Monica on Friday. The child was successfully recovered within 30 minutes of the abduction, and the suspect was apprehended.
Incident Details and Response
The incident occurred at a Panda Express on Lincoln Boulevard, Santa Monica, early Friday noon. A distressed call was placed to police at 12:11 p.m., reporting the abduction of the young girl. The grandmother, who was with the girl at the time, had gone to the counter to pay for their meal when the suspect lured the child outside.
Police Action and Suspect’s Arrest
Police promptly responded, arriving within minutes of the report and immediately began collecting video evidence of the event and the suspect, a woman in her 30s. “At least 30 of our department personnel were out searching for her,” said Santa Monica police Lt. Erika Aklufi.
Child’s Safe Recovery
By 12:37 p.m., officers found the suspect at the Holiday Motel on Pico Boulevard. The motel manager recognized the woman from images relayed by the police, leading to her arrest. The child was found unharmed and returned to her family.
Suspect’s Identification
The suspect was later identified as 31-year-old Breanna Taylor Shields. She was charged with kidnapping, with potential sentencing enhancement due to the victim’s young age. A Santa Monica police statement expressed their commitment to supporting the family through this ordeal and ensuring a thorough investigation.
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