(August 27, 2003) -- A 16-year old girl waiting for a bus in ELB was the victim of an attempted kidnapping when two suspects tried to pull her into an unusual vehicle -- a 1950s-1960s panel van -- in the area of Palo Verde Ave. and Atherton St.

In an August 27 release, LBPD says the attempted kidnapping occurred on August 22 at about 2:00 p.m. Police say the victim was waiting for a bus near Palo Verde Ave. and Atherton St. when a vehicle containing four male suspects and one female suspect pulled to the side of the curb next to her.

One of the suspects asked her to get into the vehicle. She refused. Police say two of the suspects then attempted to pull her into the vehicle. An unknown witness yelled at the suspects...and the vehicle drove off.

Police describe the suspects as four white males and one white female.

The suspect vehicle is a 1950 to 1960's dark primer painted panel van with a rounded body style and two doors. Police say there was only one rear door that appeared to open from the side rather than the top or bottom...with silver flames painted below the rear window.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contacty LBPD Homicide Detective [LBPD homicide detectives handle kidnappings] William Matsubara at (562) 570-7244.