SANTA MONICA, California. – Santa Monica police arrested a woman on Wednesday who allegedly tried to kidnap an 8-year-old girl while posing as a “Russian police officer.” Officials said she has a long criminal record in the United States.
It happened on August 21 around 2:30 p.m. when Courtney Perrone approached a young girl in an alley near Maple Street, according to police. The girl was helping her neighbor put her pets in her car when, according to police, Perrone approached her claiming to be a Russian police officer and said she was going to take the girl with her. Perrone then allegedly put her arms around the girl and got into what police described as a “tug of war” with the neighbor.
The neighbor managed to take the child away from her and put her in her car. She then ordered Perrone to leave. When Perrone refused, she tried to open the car door and even pulled out a switchblade, according to police.
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Perrone fled before officers arrived, but a witness told them which direction she had gone. Officers found her in the Gelsons’ parking lot and arrested her.
According to SMPD, Perrone lived in her car and has a lengthy criminal history, including “multiple prior out-of-state arrests” for assault, resisting arrest and more. She also has warrants out of New Hampshire for forgery and stalking, and is on probation in Nevada for a conviction earlier this year for assault with a deadly weapon.
The SMPD said Perrone was also recently arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon, but was released due to lack of evidence.
The girl was not injured in the altercation.
Perrone’s arraignment is scheduled for August 23. Police are still investigating and are asking anyone with information about the crime to contact police.
