Lawndale Couple Kidnaped After Money Demanded

What began as a demand for money from a Lawndale couple in their home escalated into a kidnaping Saturday, then ended with the arrest of a Lawndale man as he tried to escape from officers in a stolen car, said a Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department spokesman.

James Weaver, 43, was arrested on suspicion of kidnaping, burglary, robbery, grand theft auto and possession of firearms, in connection with the 2 1/2-hour drama, which began at 7:30 a.m. when Weaver walked into the Lawndale home shared by Barbara Hohl, 42, and Roy Anderson, 44, pointed a handgun at them and demanded money.

Weaver, who knows Anderson, first asked the couple for money, then escalated his demands when Hohl told him she only had about $100, said Sheriff’s Sgt. Steven Fredericks.

Fearing for her life, Hohl offered to write a check, said police. Weaver then ordered the couple into their car and drove to a market to cash the check. While Weaver stayed in the car with Anderson, Hohl was sent into the market, where she called the Lennox sheriff’s station. Growing impatient, Weaver--taking Anderson with him--went into the market, but then fled in the car. Weaver was apprehended a block away by deputies, who had sent several cars to the area.