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Courtney Perrone, 39, is charged with attempting to kidnap a child and assaulting a man in a residential neighborhood of Santa Monica on August 21 

SANTA MONICA, CA - Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón announced today that Courtney Perrone has been charged with attempting to kidnap an 8-year-old girl and assaulting a man in a residential neighborhood in the city of Santa Monica on August 21.

“The trauma and fear that this innocent child has experienced are unimaginable, and we want to assure her, her family, the second victim, and our community, that we will pursue justice with the full force of the law,” said District Attorney Gascón. “The attempted kidnapping of any child is a heinous crime. We will work to ensure that justice is served, and that this brave young girl may begin the healing process. Our Bureau of Victim Services stands ready to assist the victims and their families with trauma-informed services in their time of need.”

Courtney Perrone (dob 11/19/84) is charged in case 24ARCF01228 with one count of attempted kidnapping: victim under 14 years old; one count of false imprisonment by violence; and one count of assault with a deadly weapon.

On August 21, at approximately 2:50 p.m., Perrone allegedly attempted to kidnap the female victim as she was outside assisting an adult neighbor with their dogs. Perrone assaulted the adult victim with a knife as he attempted to protect the child.

Both victims were able to flee from the scene without injuries.

Perrone was located shortly after at a nearby grocery store and was positively identified by the adult victim. She was arrested by Santa Monica police.

Perrone was arraigned today and pleaded not guilty. The defense declared a doubt as to her competency per PC 1368. Criminal proceedings are suspended pending the defendant’s mental health proceedings on September 9 at the Hollywood Courthouse. The court set bail at $135,000 during arraignment.

If convicted as charged, Perrone faces a maximum sentence of 6 ½ years in prison.

The case is being investigated by the Santa Monica Police Department.