MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - Police have released a sketch of a man who attempted to abduct a 16-year-old girl as she was walking to school.
According to police, the teen was walking to Norland Senior High School when the subject walked up behind her, placed a gun to her back and told her to “Get in the car.”
“The suspect ordered her to get in the car. She was able to break free. The suspect was trying to make additional attempts,” said Miami Gardens Police Officer Carolyn Frazer.
The victim continued walking and ignored the man. However, he then tried to block her path with his car, and pointed a gun at the victim again, telling her to get inside the car.
The victim continued to walk to school and eventually called the police.
Police said the kidnapping attempt happened near a busy roundabout along Northwest 191st Street and Seventh Avenue.
“No one would want this type of criminal on their streets in any jurisdiction,” said Frazer.
Officers are now searching for a man described as a black man in his mid 20’s. The man stands at about 5 feet and 2 inches. The subject reportedly has a muscular build with a mustache, goatee and a low haircut.
The subject was also seen driving an older silver-colored Infinity with peeling tinted-windows.
Students at the girl’s high school also voiced their concerns and wondered how fearful the victim was during the incident.
“She probably was scared, she probably just walked away to be calm,” said student Pierra Silencieux.
“If I put myself in her situation — someone tried to tell me to get in his car and tried to pull me away, I would be pretty scared,” said student Anthony Pennant-Brown. “But yes, I would be calm because I got to think about the thing that’s going to happen and what I got to do to get myself out of that situation.”
Neighbors are terrified after learning an accused predator tried to prey on the 16-year-old girl.
“I just imagine if that was my daughter. If that was my daughter, I would go on a rampage,” said neighbor Keisha Dohawk. “It’s sad that we gotta live in a community with people like that.”
While neighbors keep a watchful eye out for this wanted man, police are using every lead in the hope of tracking him down.
“It’s urgent that if you know something and if this person looks familiar to you and if the vehicle looks familiar to you to please contact Miami Gardens Police,” said Frazer.
If you have any information on this incident, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.
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