The suspect appears to be homeless and lives in her vehicle

According to the Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD), a woman was arrested and charged with multiple felonies after allegedly attempting to kidnap an 8-year-old child in Santa Monica.

The incident occurred on August 21 at approximately 2:30 p.m. in the alley south of Maple Street. A witness reported that the suspect, identified as 39-year-old Courtney Perrone, attempted to grab the child and run away with her. Another witness stated that Perrone fled south toward Gelson’s parking lot. The child was unharmed.

SMPD officers found Perrone in the Gelsons’ parking lot, standing next to a white BMW. She was positively identified by witnesses at the scene. According to the investigation, the child was in the alley with a neighbor, helping to load pets into a vehicle, when Perrone approached and claimed to be a Russian police officer and to take the child. Perrone then attempted to grab the child, which led to a struggle with the neighbor. The neighbor secured the child in his vehicle and told Perrone to leave. Perrone then allegedly brandished a switchblade before fleeing the scene on foot.

Perrone, who is apparently homeless and living in her car, has a criminal history that includes multiple out-of-state arrests for assault, resisting arrest and drug possession. She was recently arrested by the LAPD’s Pacific Division for assault with a deadly weapon but was released due to insufficient evidence. She also has outstanding warrants out of New Hampshire and is currently on probation in Nevada for a 2024 assault conviction.

Perrone’s arraignment is scheduled for August 23. She is charged with attempted kidnapping and false imprisonment, as well as pointing a weapon.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Jauregui at [email protected], Sgt. Haro at [email protected] or the SMPD Watch Commander at (310) 458-8427.