Overview

Authorities are investigating how Thomas Ueno, a kidnapping suspect, traveled from Newport Beach to Cerritos after escaping a police standoff. Ueno was arrested on Tuesday evening in Cerritos, but police have not disclosed details regarding his movements between the two locations.

Key details

  • Thomas Ueno, 35, was arrested on suspicion of multiple charges, including kidnapping and domestic violence.
  • His arrest occurred around 7 p.m. on Tuesday at the intersection of Marquardt Avenue and Destino Street in Cerritos.
  • Ueno was taken into custody without incident by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.
  • Detectives from the Huntington Park Police Department were involved in the investigation and surveillance leading to Ueno's arrest.
  • A police lieutenant stated that the investigation is ongoing and did not provide details on Ueno’s route to Cerritos.
  • Ueno had previously fled from a standoff with police on Dover Drive in Newport Beach.
  • The standoff followed a freeway pursuit that began in Buena Park.
  • During the incident, Ueno was accompanied by his girlfriend and their two young children, ages 1 and 6.
  • The case was initially reported as a restraining-order violation and a potential kidnapping.
  • Buena Park police were notified to look for Ueno’s dark-colored Hummer SUV, which was spotted and pursued by officers.
  • Ueno is currently held at the Los Angeles County Jail’s Inmate Reception Center with bail set at $860,000.
  • The case will be forwarded to the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office for further action.

Context

The incident began with a report of a restraining-order violation involving Ueno and escalated into a police pursuit and standoff, raising concerns for the safety of the children involved.

What happens next

The Huntington Park Police Department will forward the case to the district attorney’s office, which will determine the next steps in the legal proceedings against Ueno.

What we don't know yet

Details regarding how Ueno traveled from Newport Beach to Cerritos and the timeline of events leading to his arrest remain unconfirmed.