Friday July 1st saw a man arrested after attempted kidnapping in Victorville mobile phone store. Reports state that a woman holding a baby entered the store with her 4-year-old in tow. Once inside, she notified employees of a “strange man” that had been watching her. Although she didn’t think he’d follow her into the store – he did. Upon entering, the man grabbed the 4-year-old by the arm and tried to abscond with her. The mother and one other person ran after the man while the little girl screamed, cried and fought against her would-be abductor. Luckily, she escaped his grasp and was quickly reunited with her mother.
After losing the child, the suspect ran into traffic, sat down in the middle of the street and started laughing. He then got up and attempted to flee, but was tackled by citizens and held until LASD deputies arrived. The suspect, 24-year-old Terry Ransom, was arrested and charged with attempted kidnapping. He is currently being held in lieu of $250,000 bail.
California’s various kidnapping laws are covered under California Penal Codes 207, 208, 209, and 209.5 PC and the crime is described as moving someone a substantial distance, using force or fear to do so. Kidnapping comes in two forms: “simple” and “aggravated.” “Simple” kidnapping is described as above, moving someone without their consent using force or fear. “Aggravated” kidnapping, a more serious charge, includes the definition of “simple” kidnapping but includes:
- Using fraud to commit the crime
- The victim is under 14
- The victim suffers bodily harm or death
- The person is kidnapped during a carjacking
Both crimes are always prosecuted as felonies. The penalties for “simple” kidnapping include 3, 5, or 8-years in California state prison and a maximum fine of $10,000. “Aggravated” kidnapping penalties include 5, 8, or 11-years in California state prison (if the victim was under 14), or a possible life sentence. Life sentences are handed down when the kidnapping includes:
- A ransom
- A reward for the individual’s kidnapping
- Extortion
- Robbery
- The kidnapping was committed in order to commit a sex crime
- Carjacking
Both types of kidnapping qualify as serious felonies and violent felonies. Convictions will result in a “strike” on the defendant’s record under California’s “Three Strikes Law.”
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