(January 8, 2003, updated Jan 9 with LBPD artist sketch) -- LBPD says that on January 6, two attempted kidnappings took place within thirty minutes involving two separate twelve year old girls in the same general area: one at about 3:00 p.m. in the area of Atlantic Ave. and Hill St.; another at about 3:30 p.m. in the 2400 block of Atlantic Ave.

The Police Dept. has released the artist sketch (right).

LBPD says the first incident involved a 12 year old girl walking home from school when the suspect approached her from behind and began fondling her. He attempted to pull her towards his vehicle parked nearby, but the victim struggled and was able to run away.

Police say the second incident took place about a half hour later at 3:30 p.m. in the 2400 block of Atlantic Ave., when a 12 year old was walking with a friend when the suspect pulled up in his vehicle and began talking to them. While still seated in the vehicle, he grabbed the victim's arm and began pulling her in, but she pulled away. He then got out of his vehicle, went to the victim, grabber her from behind and began fondling her. She was able to push him away and run from the area.

In a written release, LBPD says investigators believe these two attempted kidnappings could be related. Police provide the following suspect description based on information provided by the victims and a witness.

The suspect is described as a male White or light skinned Hispanic with a goatee, 25-30 years old, 5'10" to 6', 160-170 pounds. The suspect also had a tattoo on his right bicep and a possible eyebrow piercing. He was seen driving a newer shiny black vehicle, possibly a convertible Mercedes Benz with tinted windows and a spoiler on the back.

Anyone with information about these incidents or a possible identity of the suspect is urged to call LB Sex Crimes Detective Russ Moss at (562) 570-7368.