Teen arrested in Kidnap and Rape case

The Los Angeles Police Department has announced the arrest of 19-year-old Kioki Ray Snowden of Lancaster for kidnapping and rape from a July 4th incident.

Surveillance photos, along with the victim's descriptions, helped detectives identify the suspect, leading to his arrest.

On Independence Day, which fell on Thursday of last week, a 19-year-old woman was leaving her job for the day at about 5:30 pm at the Westfield Topanga Mall. When she was at her car, she was approached by a suspect she described as African American, about 5 feet 6 to 8 inches tall, about 140 to 160 pounds and having a fit built. He looked to her to be in his early 20’s.

The man was armed with a knife, and forced her into her car. According to the police press report, he directed her to drive him to several locations in the San Fernando Valley, Pasadena and downtown Los Angeles. During this time he stole property from her and gained access to her bank account through her ATM card, and finally sexually assaulted her. The ordeal lasted about three hours before she was released from his control. KABC has reported that she escaped from him near Union Station in L.A.

In what was described as an intensive investigation that lasted a week, the Robbery Homicide Division detectives identified a suspect, and served a warrant at Snowden’s residence in Lancaster. He was arrested and booked for kidnapping, and bail was set at $1 million. Evidence of the crime was also collected at his residence.

The case is to be filed with the District Attorney’s office Monday, and Snowden will likely be charged with assault, sexual assault, armed robbery, carjacking and other charges in addition to kidnapping and probation violations.

Read More:

Daily News: Lancaster man arrested as suspect in kidnap, rape of Westfield Topanga mall worker

KABC: Topanga mall kidnapping: Lancaster man arrested