Titans’ Neal Is Kidnaped and Robbed

Cal State Fullerton senior forward Tony Neal was kidnapped and robbed at gunpoint in Santa Ana Saturday evening, sheriff’s officials said.

Neal, 21, was kidnapped at about 5:50 p.m. after he stopped for a traffic signal. When he did not report to Fullerton’s game against Cal State Long Beach at Titan Gym and could not be reached by phone, his friends and coaches became concerned.

Neal was released in Santa Fe Springs later in the evening, reportedly unharmed.

According to Lt. Patrick Maher of the Norwalk Sheriff’s office, Neal was stopped at a traffic light on the corner of Washington Avenue and Ross Street in Santa Ana when an unidentified man jumped into his car, revealed a handgun and ordered Neal to drive.

Neal was told to drive onto the Riverside Freeway heading west. The suspect, described as a 5-foot 7-inch, 160-pound Mexican male about 23 or 24 years old, reportedly told Neal “you’re going to die” and held a gun on him at all times.

Eventually, the suspect ordered Neal to drive to 10100 Flallon Ave. in Santa Fe Springs and stop. The suspect then reportedly took $40 from Neal and tossed his car keys into the bushes. Maher said the suspect then told Neal, “I’m going to spare you” and fled on foot.

Neal, leads the Titans in both scoring and rebounding, averaging 17.9 points and 12.4 rebounds a game. He is the nation’s fifth-leading rebounder. Last year he was the No. 2 rebounder in the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. with an 8.8 average, behind teammate Ozell Jones (9.4).

Neal, who has started for the Titans for four years, is considered one of the nation’s finest inside players and was the PCAA’s Freshman of the Year. As a senior at Santa Ana Valley High School, Neal was chosen as Century League Player of the Year.

The incident was reported to the Norwalk Sheriff’s office at 10 p.m. and a broadcast was immediately made for the suspect.