VAN NUYS (CNS) - Authorities are seeking public help today to find a 32-year-old man suspected of human trafficking.
An 18-year-old woman contacted officers near Hart Street and Sepulveda Boulevard in Van Nuys about 4:30 p.m. Feb. 12, saying she had been trafficked by the suspect, who goes by the nickname ``Creole Blood,'' according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
The woman, who had a difficult financial situation at the time, met Creole Blood at a liquor store in Victorville, and he ``glamorized a life of money and travel,'' police said.
He allegedly forced her to work as a prostitute, then turned aggressive and physical when she refused. She eventually agreed to work as a prostitute after fearing for her safety, according to police.
Creole Blood is described as black, 5 feet, 10 inches, 175 pounds, with long dreadlocks, brown eyes and tattoos on his abdomen, police reported.
He frequents the Pomona, Victorville and South Los Angeles areas, according to police.
Authorities circulated a photo of Creole Blood and encouraged anyone with information about the case to contact the Van Nuys Community Police Station at 818-374-9500. Those wishing to report anonymously can call 800-222- TIPS.
Victims of human trafficking were urged to call Officer Gehart at 818- 374-0065.