3 Arrested on Suspicion of Kidnap for Ransom

Two men and a woman were arrested early Monday by Los Angeles police on suspicion of kidnapping for ransom, robbery and carjacking in the alleged attack against two men Sunday evening at an El Sereno park.

Police spokesman John Pasquariello identified those who were arrested as Manuel Perry, 28, of Azusa; Richard Gomez, 28, of San Bernardino; and Reanita Bell, 20, of Highland Park. Those allegedly abducted were not identified.

Pasquariello said the victims were seated in a pickup truck when they were seized along with their truck.

Later, he said, one of the kidnappers called a friend of one of the victims and demanded an undisclosed amount of money for their release. A relative of the victim notified police, who arranged a money drop.

But in the meantime, Pasquariello said, the alleged perpetrators got uneasy and let the victims go unharmed.

Further investigation led to the surrounding of the men in a Highland Park apartment, the evacuation of the apartment building and then the arrest of the suspects, the police spokesman said.