[LBPD release text] On June 15, 2018 at approximately 6:20 A.M., officers were dispatched to the area of Long Beach Boulevard and Artesia Boulevard regarding a possible kidnapping. The calling party stated they saw a male adult grab a female by her waist and put her in the front seat of the van.

We received very detailed information from the calling party and that information was quickly shared with local and regional partners, as well as the media. Further details of the descriptions are provided below. During the investigation, we were advised by the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department, that deputies had located the van at a motel in the 16400 block of Lakewood Blvd. in the City of Bellflower.

Homicide detectives responded to that location and contacted the driver who cooperated with the investigation. After interviewing the driver, Homicide detectives requested the assistance of Vice detectives that specialize in prostitution and human trafficking investigations. Vice detectives believe the incident is a case of prostitution, not a kidnapping. The investigation is going to be handed over to Vice detectives for further follow up regarding the prostitution and/or human trafficking.

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We want to commend the calling party for following the "See Something, Say Something" philosophy by reporting what they thought was a possible kidnapping. We take all reports very seriously and in this incident committed numerous resources to the investigation. We encourage others to be vigilant and report suspicious activities.

We would also like to thank the media, local and regional partners, specifically the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for their assistance. This is the perfect example of public safety through partnerships.

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