Man kidnaps clerk, beats her with hammer because he wanted relationship, cops say
LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles Police Department detectives have arrested a man armed with a hammer suspected of kidnapping a convenience store clerk in Exposition Park Wednesday afternoon.
LAPD Southwest Division officers responded to a silent alarm at the store in the 3900 block of Denker Avenue around 2:50 p.m. When officers arrived, they learned the suspect kidnapped a female clerk.
The victim was working when the suspect entered the store. The man, identified as Jose Eduardo Gaxiola Caro, was armed with a hammer, police said. He grabbed the victim and dragged her out of the store, forcing her into his car outside.
Authorities said Caro, 28, then fled the scene in a red 1995 Honda Civic four-door sedan with the California license plate 3NOZ420.
He brought her to a cemetery in North Hollywood, police said, where she was able to escape.
She was later taken to a nearby hospital for a medical evaluation. Caro was captured late Wednesday in North Hollywood after a short pursuit and crash. He was Tased by officers.
Police said Caro had been stalking the victim for some time, trying to find out where she lives and refusing to take no for an answer when he pursued a relationship. He also made threats to her family members, police said.
Anyone with more information was urged to call Lt. Alex Vargas or Detective Richard Record at (213)485-2562. During non-business hours, people may call (877)527-3247. They can also contact Crime Stoppers at (800)222-8477 to remain anonymous.
