Woman fights off attempted kidnapper in Garden Grove using pepper spray; 3 suspects sought

GARDEN GROVE, Calif. (FOX 11) - A woman in Garden Grove told police that she was able to fight off her alleged attempted kidnapper by using pepper spray that she kept in her purse.

The 21-year-old woman reported that around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, she was walking in the area of Bixby Avenue and Brookhurst Street when she noticed a minivan driving slowly behind her. She told authorities that she felt the vehicle was following her and that a man exited the vehicle and began walking behind her. Feeling uneasy by the situation, the woman preemptively grabbed ahold of the pepper spray she kept in her purse.

A short time later, the man allegedly grabbed the woman by her arms, pulling her towards the van. Garden Grove Police said that another suspect had the rear door of the van open, ready to pull her into the vehicle. The woman was able to use her pepper spray on the initial suspect, who released her and fled in the van.

Garden Grove Police believe that the three suspects, including the driver, fled eastbound on Bixby Avenue towards Brookhurst Street in the silver or light green colored van.

No property was taken from the victim and she did not recognize any of the suspects she saw, police said in a press release.

Anyone with information about this attempted kidnapping is asked to contact the Garden Grove Police Department Crimes Against Persons Unit at 714-741-5800.