HOMESTEAD, FLA. (WSVN) - Three siblings said a man tried to abduct them on their way to school in Homestead.
Police are now looking for the man the children said began following behind them a block away from their school as they walked to Gateway Environmental K-8 Learning Center along Southeast 18th Avenue and Canal Drive, on Sept. 13.
According to officials, the siblings said the man drove up to the children, asked if they needed a ride and trailed behind them until they arrived at their school.
“The gentleman told them if they wanted a ride to school and at the same time asking them to get into the vehicle,” said Homestead Police Detective Fernando Morales.
When the children refused to comply, police said the man’s actions became dangerous.
“What’s a little bit concerning is the person started doing circles around the children, circling them, going down the road back and forth,” said Morales, “at one point in time, stopping his vehicle, getting out of his vehicle, approaching the kids, and for some reason, he got back into the vehicle and fled the area.”
The children were frightened from the experience and ran to school, alerting school officials after the man took off in his gray Nissan Altima.
“I think the schools really need to open up their eyes and have it back to where it used to be where more teachers are out there, maybe more security, opening up the gates at an earlier time, letting the kids inside,” said parent Jacqueline Williams.
Neighbors in the area are now concerned about the incident.
“It’s unsettling to know that’s so close to my house and where my sisters went to school,” said Rebecca Hernandez, who lives nearby. “My youngest sister is 11 years old, so I’m worried about her being in this area, playing around outside if those kind of people are coming into this neighborhood now.”
Now, as police continue their search, neighbors are hoping the clear image of the subject will help locate the man and bring back a sense of security to the area.
“There’s plenty of paths in this neighborhood to walk, and if they don’t even feel safe to walk to the park or walk to school, what kind of state of mind is that?” said Hernandez.
If you have any information on this subject’s whereabouts, 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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