MIAMI (WSVN) - Police are searching for a man who, they said, tried to abduct a woman in a Miami neighborhood.
According to City of Miami Police, the victim was walking home from a store when the subject chased after her and grabbed her from behind, near Southwest 22nd Avenue and 24th Street, just before 9 p.m., Wednesday.
Officials told 7News that she may have seen the man who attacked her at the same market.
Surveillance video showed the woman walking by and a man chasing after her. Seconds later, he approaches her from behind and picked her up off the ground, trying to take her with him.
Investigators said the woman screamed for help, causing the subject to release her. The assailant then fled on foot.
Moments later, the video captured a neighbor asking if the woman was OK and others coming outside to help.
Residents in the area gave their reactions to the attempted abduction.
“It was like very frightening, I’ve never heard any scream like that before,” said Spencer Eakes, a neighbor. “It’s very scary this is a pretty quiet neighborhood.”
Miami Police Officer Kiara Delva said it was a good thing the victim screamed so loudly.
“In this case she was alone, but good thing that she did scream to the top of her lungs,” she said, “because she was able to get assistance from the nearby community.”
Detectives revealed the victim first noticed the man after she left a store on Miracle Mile earlier. They said she felt uneasy.
“If you’re going to be out late or actually whatever time of day it is, you’re always encouraged to be with another person to accompany you,” said Delva.
“Terrifying, we walk our dogs, we’re walking this neighborhood every day because of our dogs, otherwise we have not seen anything like that,” said a neighbor. “I hope they catch the guy that did it.”
Police said the subject stands between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 8 inches tall and has a medium build. He was last seen wearing a dark-colored hat, a blue disposable surgical mask, a dark-colored shirt and khaki shorts.
Officers said the video proves the man was stalking her, and they want him caught before he tries this again.
“We’re urging the community to come forward,” said Delva.
If you were in the area or know anything about this incident, call Miami Police at 305-603-6370 or 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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