LOS ANGELES, CA – Authorities have arrested a 25-year-old man in connection with a disturbing Thanksgiving Day incident involving the alleged kidnapping and assault of his girlfriend in East Los Angeles, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) confirmed.
Ivan Cruz, a resident of Santa Fe Springs, was taken into custody on Friday, two days after the reported crime. He is being held without bail as the investigation continues, according to sheriff’s department officials and jail records.
Deputies responded to the 1200 block of Dickson Avenue on Thursday, Nov. 28, following reports of a possible kidnapping. Witnesses told deputies they had seen a woman being physically assaulted by a man in a white SUV.
Surveillance footage obtained from the area corroborated the witnesses’ accounts. The video shows the woman, appearing visibly distressed, exiting the SUV. Moments later, the suspect, later identified as Cruz, is seen approaching her, throwing her to the ground, and forcibly placing her back into the vehicle. Inside, the suspect reportedly continued the physical assault before driving away with the victim.
Following the incident, investigators were able to locate the victim in another area of East Los Angeles. She was treated for minor injuries at the scene by Los Angeles County Fire Department paramedics.
“The female adult victim observed on video surveillance being assaulted was identified as his girlfriend,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement.
Detectives with the LASD Major Crimes Bureau identified Cruz as the suspect and arrested him at his Santa Fe Springs residence without incident. Cruz was booked on suspicion of kidnapping and domestic violence. On Tuesday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office charged him with felony kidnapping and a misdemeanor count of battery.
Authorities have not disclosed additional details regarding the events leading up to the attack or the relationship between Cruz and the victim beyond confirming they were dating.
LASD officials are urging anyone with information related to the case to contact the Major Crimes Bureau at 562-946-7893. For those wishing to remain anonymous, tips can be provided via the Crime Stoppers hotline at 800-222-TIPS or online at www.lacrimestoppers.org.
The incident underscores the importance of reporting and addressing domestic violence, particularly during the holiday season, when tensions can escalate. Advocacy groups remind the public that support resources are available for victims of domestic abuse, including confidential hotlines and crisis shelters.
As Cruz awaits his court proceedings, the sheriff’s department continues its investigation into the circumstances surrounding the violent encounter, aiming to ensure justice and prevent future harm.
