Full Notification

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau detectives are continuing their investigation into Stephen Merle Houk a Parolee at Large wanted for sex crimes out of the state of Oregon (WNO #14556869).  He is also wanted out of Santa Carita for assault with a deadly weapon, child abduction, terrorist threats, and evading.  He was last seen in the Bakersfield / Shafter area on foot and is considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
 
Suspect Houk is described as a male, White, 46 years-old, 5’11” tall, 190lbs., with brown hair, and hazel eyes.  He has a cow skull tattoo on his right forearm. 

There is no further information available at this time.
 
Anyone with information as to the whereabouts of Suspect Stephen Merle Houk are asked to contact Major Crimes Bureau (562) 946-7893.   If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
 
Forwarded by:
Kimberly Alexander, Deputy

1^st Update


Los Angeles County Sheriff's Santa Clarita Valley Station detectives have advised that the children kidnapped by suspect Stephen Houk, were located unharmed inside the pursuit vehicle shortly after the pursuit came to an end in Bakersfield on Tuesday, May 1, 2018 at approximately 6:00 p.m. Both children have since been reunited with their mother. The dog that was seen in video footage during the pursuit, was also located safe inside the vehicle.  

California Highway Patrol (CHP) advises the pursuit of Stephen Houk, that lead law enforcement from Los Angeles to Bakerfield, ended at an orchard on Merced Avenue and Zerker Road, in Bakersfield. A containment was established and a search of the orchard began. After an extensive search over several hours by CHP, Kern County Sheriff's and Bakersfield Police Department personnel, Suspect Houk was not located and the containment was broken down at approximately 11:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 1, 2018. 

Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department and law enforcement in Bakersfield will follow-up on any leads and tips from the public as to the whereabouts of Suspect Stephen Houk. The suspect, a 46 year-old Caucasian male, is also a registered sex offender out of the state of Oregon who was on parole for a sex offense.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department's Santa Clarita Station at (661) 255-1121. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org
 
Forwarded by:
Deputy Trina Schrader
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department
Hall of Justice - First floor 
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1700
_____________________________________________________
ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASE IS AS FOLLOWS:

On Tuesday, May 1, 2018 Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau (MCB) detectives attempted to detain a parolee at large who was believed to be armed and wanted for evading, child abduction, child endangerment and weapons violations.
 
The suspect, a 46 year-old Caucasian male, is also a registered sex offender out of the state of Oregon who was on parole for a sex offense.
 
MCB initiated a vehicle pursuit at approximately 2:30 p.m. today in the Mid City/Wilshire district area in the city of Los Angeles.
 
Los Angeles Police Department personnel assumed command of the pursuit which was subsequently taken over by the California Highway Patrol when the suspect continued to flee in a motorhome on Interstate 5 going north. 
 
The suspect’s two children, ages three years and 11 months, are believed to be inside the motorhome. 
 
The investigation is ongoing and there is no additional information available at this time.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Santa Clarita Station at (661) 255-1121.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call "Crime Stoppers" by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the "P3 MOBILE APP" on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.
 
 
Juanita Navarro-Suarez, Deputy
@LASDJuanita
Sheriff’s Information Bureau – Newsroom
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department 
Hall of Justice - First floor  
211 W. Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90012
213-229-1700
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Jim McDonnell, Sheriff
Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department