Bellflower kidnapping victim found, suspect also located and arrested

The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department asked for help locating a woman after a Sunday afternoon kidnapping in Bellflower, which helped them locate the victim and suspect within hours. 

Detectives said the kidnapping happened at roughly 4:45 p.m. in the 9800 block of Cedar Street when the victim was driving a red 2005 Toyota Camry with the license plate 5NWJ241. The suspect allegedly pulled up next to her in a green or teal 1997 Ford Explorer with the license plate 3XNZ003. 

Investigators said he punched the woman several times, dragged her out of her car and forced her into his SUV. He sped away from the scene and was last seen going east on Cedar Street. 

During the initial altercation, a second woman with red hair got out of the victim's car and ran after the suspect before he drove away. Detectives believe she took the red Camry and followed the suspect eastbound on Cedar Street. 

On Wednesday, authorities located the victim and her alleged captor Ramon Ballesteros at a motel in the 100 block of W. Albertoni Street in Carson, deputies said. 

Ballesteros was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of kidnapping and remains behind bars in lieu of $100,000 bail. 

The victim, a woman whom deputies have not identified, suffered minor injuries during the incident. 

"The female adult victim observed by witnesses and on video surveillance being assaulted was identified as the suspect's girlfriend," deputies said.

Detectives asked that anyone with information contact the Lakewood Sheriff's Station at (562) 920-5100. Those wishing to stay anonymous can contact Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or through the website www.p3tips.com.