POMPANO BEACH, FLA. (WSVN) - Newly released surveillance video captured part of what authorities described as an attempted abduction of three girls in a Pompano Beach neighborhood, as authorities continue their search for the subject involved.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the victims were walking home along the 2800 block of Northwest Eighth Court when they were approached by a man on a bicycle, early Sunday morning.
Although detectives haven’t released exactly what the subject said, it was frightening enough for two of the girls to take off running.
The surveillance video captured two of the victims as they sprinted down the dead-end street, located just west of the Intracoastal Waterway..
“The third girl, a 14-year-old, kept walking. Then she realized the subject was following her, then she tried to run away,” said BSO spokesperson Claudinne Caro.
Moments later, the third victim is seen running after them, then slowing down.
It’s at this moment when the subject is seen pedaling past the victim.
“The subject blocked her path, grabbed her by her hoodie and told her to get on his bicycle,” said Caro. “She screamed, and eventually, thankfully, she was able to run away from him.”
All three victims were able to get away.
“The fact that it happened is kind of shocking to everybody,” said an area resident.
Thursday night, area residents described their neighborhood as quiet and safe.
“It’s a great area to grow up in,” said the area resident.
Even though the surveillance video does not show a clear picture of the bicyclist’s face, deputies provided a physical description.
“[The girls] described the subject as a Black male, 5 feet, 7 inches tall, muscular build, and bald or with short hair and no facial hair,” said Caro.
Area residents said the occasional attempted break-in or car burglary is bad enough, but the attempted kidnapping is out of the norm.
“Everybody knows everybody here, and we’ve been living here for 11 years. We’ve never had anything like that happening, and it’s a little unusual, I would say,” said Lili Ladrie.
“There’s a lot of bad stuff happening all over the world today, and I would say that at 1 a.m. in the morning, it’s not the right time for people to be — particularly young girls — to be out walking down the street,” said Tony Mimiea.
“Bottom line is, we want to alert the public about this incident,” said Caro.
“Hopefully they’ll catch the guy,” said Mimiea.
Detectives believe the subject’s bicycle is dark in color. They urge area residents to come forward with information.
If you have any information on this attempted kidnapping or the subject’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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