6-year-old girl escapes kidnapping attempt in Ventura; suspect arrested

VENTURA, Calif. (KABC) -- Police have arrested an Oxnard man who allegedly tried to kidnap a 6-year-old girl at Pacific View Mall in Ventura.

The incident occurred in the 3300 block of East Main Street around 4 p.m. Saturday.

The Ventura Police Command Center received a call from the Pacific View Mall security reporting an unknown type disturbance in the parking lot of the mall. When responding officers arrived at the scene, they found a suspect being detained in the parking lot by security.

The 6-year-old girl was at a children's playground area inside the mall when Anthony Parish, 32, of Oxnard approached her and tried to grab her.

She managed to escape and alert her father who was shopping in a nearby store. Her father and mall security then detained Parish as he attempted to flee the scene.

Parish was arrested for attempted kidnapping and booked into the Ventura County jail.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or whose children may have been victimized by Parish was urged to contact the Ventura Police Department at (805) 339-4441.

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