PANORAMA CITY, CA – A community in the San Fernando Valley is on high alert following a harrowing attempt to abduct a teenage girl, thwarted only by the quick actions of her father. The incident, which occurred late last night, has left neighbors shaken, as it is the second such occurrence in the area recently.
Residents of Panorama City are distributing fliers to warn others of the attempted abductions. The latest incident took place on Cedros Street, where a man in his 30s allegedly attempted to drag a 14-year-old girl into a dark vehicle. Her father intervened, preventing the abduction. The community is now anxious, fearing multiple suspects may be at large.
Just a block away, on April 9, another teenager narrowly escaped a similar fate near Roscoe and Van Nuys Boulevard. The girl managed to flee from a suspect’s vehicle and alert authorities, leading to the arrest of 26-year-old Anush Manukyan. Despite the arrest, residents are on edge after learning Manukyan was released shortly after posting bail.
According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office, Manukyan pled not guilty to charges of assault with intent to commit a sexual felony against a minor. Bail was set at $200,000, and he was released on April 15, just an hour before the latest attempted kidnapping.
The back-to-back incidents have left families in this densely populated neighborhood, adjacent to a shopping mall and children’s play areas, feeling unsafe. Parents express fear for their children’s safety, with some admitting they are now hesitant to let their kids play outside alone.
Police are actively seeking another suspect in the most recent incident. The suspect is described as a man in his 30s, driving a dark SUV, possibly a Kia. Authorities continue to urge anyone with information or who may have witnessed the April 9 attempt to come forward.
The community’s sense of security has been deeply shaken, prompting residents to take extra precautions. The fear of further incidents looms large, as families grapple with the unsettling reality that their neighborhood has become a target for such crimes.
In response to these events, local authorities are increasing patrols and working closely with residents to ensure the safety of the community. As the investigation continues, the neighborhood remains vigilant, united in their determination to protect one another.