Detectives in Hollywood are hoping surveillance camera footage and a police sketch will lead them to four suspects who kidnapped a victim on July 23 and drove him around for four hours until a ransom was paid.

(photo courtesy of the LAPD)

The kidnapping occurred at approximately 4 p.m. as the unidentified victim was sitting in a car in front of property he owns in the 8000 block of Carlton Way. The suspects drove up in a white Chevrolet van and ordered the victim at gunpoint to get inside their vehicle. Det. Jose Alvarez, with the Los Angeles Police Department’s Hollywood Division, said some of the suspects wore ski masks; all were armed with handguns. They allegedly drove the victim around undisclosed locations in Los Angeles until arrangements were made for a ransom to be paid. The victim was dropped off at approximately 8 p.m. at a gas station in the 200 block of Lincoln Boulevard in Venice. Alvarez declined to provide any information about the ransom or how it was paid because of the ongoing investigation. He said steps are being taken to protect the victim, but would not elaborate.

“This was a person who was a specifically targeted. It was not random,” Alvarez said. “He was perceived as someone who has money. He owns residential property in the area.”

The suspect’s van was captured on surveillance camera footage, and is described as a white, 2000-2006 Chevrolet commercial cargo van with a sliding door on the right side.

Police have also released a sketch of one of the suspects, who Alvarez said was not wearing a ski mask. He is described as being Hispanic, 40 to 45 years old, five feet eight inches tall and 180 to 185 pounds. The other suspects were only described as being male. One was possibly Hispanic. They are considered to be armed and dangerous. Alvarez said investigators are following some leads in the case, and are also appealing to the public for help.

“We want to find out if anyone has any additional information we haven’t gotten yet,” he said. “We don’t believe anyone else is in danger.”

This Chevy van was captured on surveillance video in relation to the kidnapping on Carlton Way. Investigators are seeking the public’s help. (photo courtesy of the LAPD)

Anyone with information about the kidnapping is asked to call Dets. Alvarez or Kukaua at (213)972-2954 or (213)972-2932. During weekends and off-hours, call the LAPD’s 24-hour hotline at (877)LAPD247. “We are just excited to see the project move forward,” he added. “It will definitely beef up the energy and the vibrancy on that portion of The Strip.”

The city is anticipating there will be some negative issues associated with demolition and construction. A hotline has been established for questions and concerns at (323)860-4820. Information is also available at www.sunsetlacienega.com.

“I can’t say there will not be some inconveniences with demolition and construction. There will be some dust and other issues that may permeate from the surface,” Prang added. “We will pay attention to what people in the neighborhood say if things arise.”