Suspect arrested in connection with attempted kidnapping of 8-year-old child

A suspect was arrested after a failed attempt to grab and flee with an 8-year-old child near Lincoln Boulevard and Maple Street.

According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), officers responded to a call about a suspicious person in the 800 block of the alley south of Maple Street at approximately 2:30 p.m. on August 21. The reporting officer told dispatchers that the female suspect attempted to grab the 8-year-old child and run away with her. A second reporting officer told officers that the female suspect fled southbound toward Gelson's parking lot. Fortunately, the child was not injured.

Officers spotted the suspect, 39-year-old Courtney Perrone, next to a white BMW in the Gelson parking lot. She was positively identified by witnesses. Investigation revealed that the child victim was in the alley with an adult neighbor, helping to load several pets into the neighbor's car.

The suspect approached and claimed she was a member of the Russian police and was taking the child with her. Perrone knelt down and put her arms around the child, which led to a tug-of-war between the neighbor and Perrone. The neighbor put the child in the front seat of his car and told Perrone to drive away. She ignored him and tried to open the car door. When the neighbor confronted her again, Perrone pulled out a switchblade.

She left the location on foot through the alley and was later arrested. According to SMPD, Perrone appears to be homeless and lives in her car (the white BMW). She has been arrested multiple times out of state for assault, resisting arrest, possession of narcotics, and trespassing. The suspect was recently arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department for assault with a deadly weapon (not a firearm), but was released due to insufficient evidence.

She has warrants out of New Hampshire for forgery and stalking. She is currently on probation in Nevada for a 2024 conviction for assault with a deadly weapon. This is her first encounter with the SMPD.

Perrone is scheduled to go on trial on August 23 and is charged with the crimes of attempted kidnapping (207(a) PC) and false imprisonment (237(a) PC). She is also charged with the misdemeanor of weapon (417 PC).

Anyone with information regarding this incident or suspect is asked to contact Detective Jauregui, Sgt. Haro or the 24 hour security line at (310) 458-8427.

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