By Lookout Staff

August 28, 2024 -- A homeless convict arrested for attempting to kidnap an 8-year-old girl in Santa Monica last week will undergo mental evaluation before criminal proceedings can resume, a Superior Court judge ruled Monday.

Courtney Perrone, 39, who was arrested last Wednesday by Santa Monica police, pleaded not guilty Monday of kidnapping the child and assaulting the man who came to her defense, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney.

Perrone -- who has a record of multiple out-of-state arrests -- is being held on $135,000 bail.

"The defense declared a doubt as to her competency," the DA's office said. "Criminal proceedings are suspended pending the defendant’s mental health proceedings on September 9 at the Hollywood Courthouse."

According to Santa Monica police, Perrone was arrested after she approached the child who was helping an adult neighbor put several dogs into his vehicle ("Homeless Convict Arrested for Attempting to Kidnap 8-year-old Girl," August 22, 2024).

"The suspect approached saying she is Russian police and that she is taking the child," said Lt. Erika Aklufi, the Police Department spokesperson.

"Perrone knelt and put her arms around the child and a tug of war between the neighbor and Perrone ensued," Aklufi said.

District Attorney George Gascón on Monday called the incident a "heinous crime" and vowed to "pursue justice with the full force of the law.”

“The trauma and fear that this innocent child has experienced are unimaginable," Gascón said in a statement. “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."

Perrone was charged with one count of attempted kidnapping of a victim under 14 years old and one count of false imprisonment by violence, the DA's office said.

She also was charged with one count of assault with a deadly weapon after producing a switchblade knife and assaulting the adult victim when he confronted her.

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

Officers responding to the call located Perrone in the nearby Gelson's market parking lot at Lincoln and Ocean Park boulevards standing next to a white BMW, where police believe she was living.

Perrone has outstanding warrants from New Hampshire for forgery and stalking and is currently on probation out of Nevada for a 2024 assault with a deadly weapon conviction, according to police.

If convicted as charged, Perrone faces a maximum sentence of 6½ years in prison.