(January 15, 2003) -- Observant, heads-up police work has resulted in LBPD arresting a suspect (sketch right) in the attempted kidnappings of two girls from the area of Atlantic Ave. and Hill St.
LBPD officers were in the area of Atlantic Ave. and Willow St. on January 9, 2003 when they spotted Edward Svitak, 44, of Corona who matched the description of the person sought in the kidnapping attempts. Officers arrested him on a parole hold while detectives investigated.
In a written release, LBPD says that during their investigation, Svitak was identified as a suspect in the kidnappings...and learned he is on parole for child molestation.
LBPD added in its release that any person who has been a victim of any assault, or attempted sexual assault within the past eighteen months, by a suspect matching the description of Edward Svitak is urged to call Sex Crimes Detective Russ Moss at (562) 570-7368.
The search for the kidnapping suspect took on added urgency since the two attempts occurred within thirty minutes of each other on January 6 in the vicinity of two LB schools: Mary Butler School & Burnett Elementary. Principals at both schools issued letters for parents and guardians (posted as a public service by LBReport.com urging they review safety rules with their children.
