SOUTHWEST MIAMI-DADE, FLA. (WSVN) - Police officers went door to door passing out flyers at an apartment complex in Southwest Miami-Dade as they attempt to seek information on a man who, they said, attempted to abduct a mother’s 2-year-old son in broad daylight.
The suspect remains at large, but authorities are leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety of the community.
“This individual is someone we want to get off the streets, and we need the help of the community,” Miami-Dade Police Detective Jenesis Mena.
Residents in the area of Southwest 112th Ave and 196th Street are on edge as they worry the predator may live close by.
According to detectives, the mother and her toddler were enjoying their time at Southridge Park park on Sept. 15 when the unthinkable happened at around noon. As they were preparing to leave, a man, who police describe as dangerous, approached them.
“As the mother was getting ready to leave, a male came up to them and tried to take the child from her,” stated Mena. “She had gotten into a struggle and was able to get her child back and leave from the park.”
In their efforts to locate the subject, officers are distributing flyers with a newly released sketch of the man. The depicted individual is described as having thick eyebrows, standing between 5 feet, 10 inches tall to 6 feet, 1 inch tall, aged between 30 to 45 years old, weighing 200 to 220 pounds, with short brown hair and a medium complexion.
A woman said in Spanish that nothing like this ever happens in the neighborhood. Though shocked neighbors said they don’t know the man, they and the mother are uniting in their hope that the police will apprehend the subject.
“She was very shaken up,” said Mena. “Of course, the fear is because this is her community, this is her local area. As a mother, I can only imagine the fear of someone trying to take a child, so it’s a very scary situation for the mother, and that is why we’re hoping that the community can help us identify him.”
Police said this man is dangerous and it is likely that he lives in the area. They urge anyone with information to come forward and assist in identifying the man.
If you have any information that could help investigators, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward of up to $5,000.
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