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LAPD arrests woman who allegedly tried to kidnap 4-year-old boy from Target store in Koreatown

three photos of a woman
Los Angeles police released photos of suspect who was sought and later arrested in connection with an attempted kidnapping at a Target store in Koreatown.
(LAPD)
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A woman who allegedly grabbed and then tried to run off with a 4-year-old boy from an L.A. Target store in Koreatown earlier this week has been arrested, Los Angeles police said.

Vanessa Yara Pineda, 27, was arrested about 11:50 a.m. Wednesday near the intersection of Magnolia Boulevard and Tujunga Avenue in North Hollywood after receiving a tip from a person who witnessed the kidnapping attempt on Feb. 25, police announced on X.

The suspect allegedly tried to kidnap the child — grabbing the boy forcibly from behind and carrying him out of the Target store, according to the LAPD.

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Police arrested two people Wednesday outside a now famous high-rise that has lured taggers to cover its 27 floors in graffiti.

She put the boy down outside the store after his parents confronted her and then ran away, police said.

The incident remains under investigation.

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