Crime & Safety
LA Driver Hits Teen On Bike, Kidnaps Him While Posing As Cop: Reports
Ottoniel Mendoza hit a 13-year-old bicyclist with his truck in Panorama City, then kidnapped him, police say, according to reports.
LOS ANGELES — A pickup truck driver has reportedly been arrested after police said he hit a 13-year-old bicyclist with in Los Angeles, then kidnapped him.
Ottoniel Mendoza, 38, was driving a 2019 gray Toyota Tundra around 8 a.m. Wednesday that hit the boy as he rode his bicycle in Panorama City, police said, according to KTLA-TV.
Mendoza got out of the truck, showed the boy a badge, and said he was a police officer, LAPD said. He ordered the teen to get into the truck.
Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
A bystander saw the wreck and called police. Officers reportedly found the truck near Sepulveda Boulevard and Tupper Street. Mendoza was in the truck with the boy and another man.
The teen was taken to a hospital for treatment for his injuries.
Find out what's happening in Los Angelesfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Online court records obtained by Patch showed Mendoza was arrested around 8:15 a.m. Wednesday booked on a felony charge. KTLA reported he was booked on suspicion of kidnapping.
Mendoza was released Thursday on $100,000 bond and scheduled to appear in court July 27.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
