SHERMAN OAKS—On April 20, detectives with the Los Angeles Police Department Van Nuys Division arrested a suspect responsible for kidnapping an elderly man.
The LAPD indicated at around 9:05 a.m., a driver of a Golden Age Senior Daycare – a senior center in Tarzana – van parked the vehicle near the 15000 block of La Maida Street. The driver exited the vehicle to pick up a passenger, while a 93-year old male remained seated inside. A female suspect – later identified Lindsey Gordonellyson, 38, entered the driver’s seat of the van and drove away with the elderly male inside.
Van Nuys Patrol Division police officers were notified of the stolen vehicle and – with the help of the Air Support Unit – were able to locate the van in pursuit. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the van, but Gordonellyson failed to stop and a pursuit was initiated, the LAPD reported. She reportedly continued driving in a reckless manner.
At a point, Gordonellyson stopped the vehicle in an alley near the 7600 Block of Tyrone Avenue. She was immediately taken into custody and the male passenger – identified at Abby Javaheri – was returned home after receiving medical treatment. No injuries were reported to the victim.
“He went through an ordeal that no one should go through. Being that age and he’s battling cancer,” Kambiz Merabi, the victims father-in-law told Fox 10. “He didn’t have his seatbelt on because he just got in the car and the door of the minivan was open,” Merabi continued.
Gordonellyson was booked for Kidnapping and her bail was set at $125,000. Canyon News spoke with LAPD Officer Matthew Cruz who confirmed no additional information is available at this time.
Anyone with details about this incident is asked to contact LAPD Van Nuys Detectives at (818) 374-0040. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous should call the LA Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
