Long Beach
Police Department

Booking photo of Eugene Martindale III
(Click photo to enlarge)

On June 11, 2023, suspect Eugene Martindale III, a 28-year-old resident of Long Beach, was arrested and booked in connection to two kidnapping incidents. Detectives believe there may be additional victims.

On June 1, 2023, at approximately 7:40 a.m., officers responded to the 1200 block of Chestnut Avenue regarding an attempt kidnapping incident. The preliminary investigation revealed that the 12-year-old female victim was walking on the sidewalk when a male adult suspect, later determined to be Martindale, tried to engage her in conversation. The victim ignored him and kept walking. Martindale again tried to engage her in conversation, when she ignored him again, he came up from behind her, wrapped his arms around her and attempted to move her. The victim freed herself and Martindale fled before officers arrived.

LBPD Sex Crimes detectives immediately began investigating and gathered sufficient evidence to identify Martindale as the suspect and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

On June 11, 2023, at approximately 6:55 a.m., Martindale was arrested by Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for an incident in the City of Carson. 

LASD Detectives and LBPD Detectives are working in collaboration with the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office regarding filing considerations.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are encouraging any additional victims to come forward. Anyone with information can contact the Sex Crimes Detail at 562-570-7368.

For additional information regarding Martindale’s arrest, refer to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

Anonymous tips may be submitted through “LA Crime Stoppers” by calling 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), downloading the “P3 Tips” app to your smartphone (available at the Apple App store and Google Play), or visiting www.lacrimestoppers.org.