Three arrested on charges of kidnapping, conspiracy, and assault in Fallbrook crime involving toddler

Sheriff's Dept. authorities have reported that three suspects were arrested late yesterday (Tues., May 20) following the kidnapping of a toddler in Fallbrook.

The incident began about 4 p.m. in the 200 block of E. Dougherty Street in Fallbrook.

According to Lt. Art Wager, a man who was later identified as Joseph Lawrence Smith, age 22, forced his way into his ex-girlfriend's residence on E. Dougherty Street armed with a baseball bat and kidnapped her 3-year-old child from the babysitter by force.

"Smith threw the baby over his shoulder and fled the residence to a vehicle waiting outside," said Wager. Inside the vehicle were two females, later identified as (driver) Brenna Pauline Roskop 21, and (passenger) Taylor Hood,20.

The babysitter attempted to stop Smith outside the residence, but Smith threw her to the ground, causing her to sustain minor injuries. She was treated and released from Fallbrook Hospital.

Wager said the vehicle fled the scene.

Sheriff's deputies quickly compiled information from the babysitter.

"Smith returned the baby to her mother, who was at work in 100 block of S. Main Ave. in Fallbrook within 10 minutes of the kidnapping," said Wager. "The baby was uninjured."

"After Fallbrook detectives forwarded the suspect information to the San Diego Fugitive Task Force for assistance in

locating the suspects, Fugitive Task Force personnel tracked the suspects to a residence in the 200 block of Wonsan

Drive, Camp Pendleton in De Luz housing area," said Wager. "This was Taylor Hood's residence; she is related to an active duty marine. The marine was not present during the contact, and was not involved in the crime."

Wager said that task force personnel took Smith, Hood, and Roskop into custody with the assistance of NCIS and USMC Criminal Investigations Division without incident.

Wager said there is video footage of the incident that is now in law enforcement's possession.

It appears that the motive behind the incident may have been to hold the child until some personal property was returned to the suspect.

The investigation is continuing.

Wager said the three suspects were being booked into the Vista Jail on charges related to kidnapping, conspiracy,

burglary and assault.