Online vigilantes say they trapped LAPD officer in predator sting

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Set us as preferred An L.A.police officer is suspected of trying to meet with an underage girl for lewd purposes, authorities said.

His arrest followed a sting by civilian vigilantes that was posted online.LAPD Officer Leonardo A.

Ruiz was taken into custody by Monrovia police Thursday after a group calling itself Yn_vs_preds recorded video that apparently shows the officer being chased and held down and posted it on Instagram.Monrovia Police Capt.Sarah Corravabias confirmed in an email to The Times on Tuesday that officers responded to the 300 block of W.

Olive Ave.shortly before 10 p.m.

Thursday.“After an investigation, Leonardo A.Ruiz, a 31-year-old male who stated he is an employee of the Los Angeles Police Department, was arrested for an alleged violation of California Penal Code section 288.4 — arranging a meeting with a minor, or someone believed to be a minor, for lewd purposes,” wrote Corravabias, who will become police chief Nov.1.

“Ruiz was subsequently released pending further investigation.”The video shows members of the civilian group chasing and holding Ruiz.The group alleges Ruiz went to Monrovia to meet a person he believed to be a 16-year-old girl.

World & Nation The accusers who spoke in court — and another whose statement was read by a prosecutor — were among at least 70 women who prosecutors say were assaulted by one or more of the brothers over the last two decades in posh locales including the Hamptons on Long Island and in Aspen, Colo.Ruiz is listed as an LAPD officer in the department’s roster.Shown the video link and images, the LAPD responded via Capt.

Mike Bland with a statement: “We are aware of an arrest involving a Department employee.We are fully cooperating with the investigation.”Ashton Corona, a Yn_vs_preds leader, told The Times he turned Ruiz over to Monrovia ...