California man arrested after allegedly kidnapping LA woman off the street in broad daylight

In a incident that took place in broad daylight, a man identified as 32-year-old William Garcia allegedly struck a woman with a pistol and dragged her into his silver Kia Rio in a California neighborhood on Tuesday. 

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) announced that the suspect was arrested on charges of kidnapping and abduction.



The victim was discovered unharmed following the incident. The alleged kidnapping took place in Commerce, a town located approximately 8 miles away from Los Angeles. LASD did not name the suspect, but local outlets have identified him as Garcia.

Security camera footage captured the incident as the woman was seen fleeing down a residential sidewalk, seemingly on the phone. 

She tried to hide behind a gate in a nearby driveway, but the armed man, believed to be Garcia, pulled up in his car and confronted her.

The woman walked over to the passenger side of the vehicle, indicating that the pair might know each other, before the man hit her head with a pistol and shoved her into the passenger side of the car. The suspect's vehicle has been recovered as evidence.

“The victim was found unharmed and she is currently in the custody of the sheriff’s department, pending further questioning,” said LASD Dept. Veronica Fantom to ABC.

The investigation is ongoing, and investigators are attempting to locate the victim. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident or may have information that could lead to the identification and location of the suspect, victim, or vehicle is encouraged to contact Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7037. Alternatively, they can call Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477