Full Notification

The Culver City Police Department has arrested a suspect following an attempted child abduction that occurred at Fox Hills Park on Monday, March 30, 2026.

At approximately 12:53 pm, Culver City Police officers responded to a report of an attempted kidnapping involving a young child at Fox Hills Park, located at 5809 Green Valley Circle. The suspect was described as an adult male wearing a red hoodie who was last seen near the southwest area of the park.

According to investigators, the suspect approached a four-year-old child at the playground and attempted to lure the child away from their parent by telling the child to come with him. The parent immediately noticed the interaction and quickly moved toward the child. A nearby community member also recognized the situation and approached to assist.

When the parent and community member approached, the suspect walked away from the playground and left the area.

Officers responded immediately and began searching the park and the surrounding neighborhood. Shortly thereafter, a person matching the suspect’s description was located by Culver City police inside a vehicle in the parking structure of a nearby shopping center.

Responding officers located the vehicle and detained the driver, who matched the suspect description. The individual was identified as 57-year-old Marlo Jeffrey Hempstead of Los Angeles.

Based on the investigation, Hempstead was arrested, and charges have been filed with the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for attempted kidnapping.

At no time was the child physically taken or harmed.

This incident highlights the importance of community awareness, quick action, and rapid police response. While this appears to be an isolated incident and there have been no other similar reports, parents and caregivers are encouraged to remain vigilant in public spaces and report suspicious activity immediately.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Culver City Police Department at (310) 253-6202. Anonymous tips can be provided through Crime Stoppers by calling (800) 222-TIPS (8477), using the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.

For media inquiries, please contact Public Information Officer Jennifer Atenza at (310) 253-6120 or email [email protected].

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