

Photo by Eric Norris via the LAist Featured Photos pool on Flickr

Santa Monica police are sounding a warning after two brazen, botched kidnapping attempts on major streets in the affluent seaside town.

The first was Wednesday at 8 p.m. on Ocean Avenue, when a man grabbed a woman in a bear hug from behind, but was scared away when someone walked down a nearby stairwell, according to Patch. The suspect was described as a black man, around 6'2" with short shaved hair in a black hoodie.

The second was Friday at 10:30 a.m. on 14th Street, when a man approached a woman from behind, grabbed her by the waist and covered her mouth. She screamed and the suspect ran away. The suspect was described as a black man with short shaved hair who was 5'10" and wearing a t-shirt and shorts.

Santa Monica police haven't yet said whether they think the two attempted kidnappings were related. But they ask anyone with information to call Detective Bambrick at (310) 458-8932 or Detective Ahn at (310) 458-8452, or the anonymous tip line at (800) 222-8477.