Girl Fights Off Attacker In 3rd Kidnap Attempt Outside Hayward Schools In Just 3 Weeks
HAYWARD (KPIX 5) -- Hayward police are investigating the third kidnapping attempt in just a few weeks.
The girl fought off an armed man trying to kidnap her near Hayward high school Friday afternoon.
Two other girls escaped after being attacked near Tennyson high school.
Police released a sketch of the suspect in the latest incident. He's 5-feet-6 inches tall, has dark hair, and was wearing a grey hooded sweatshirt with the letter "A" on the front.
Police said he drove away in a white 4-door car.
Authorities believe he may be the same man behind the two other attempted kidnappings in Hayward.
Friday afternoon's kidnap happened just as Hayward High school let out.
Police said as the kidnapper pounced as the 16-year-old victim walked home.
"The suspect got out of the car and pulled her into the car with him," said Lt Jeff Snell.
The man had a gun but somehow the girl managed to get away without getting hurt.
"She was able to flee on foot," said Snell.
The first in this string of attempted kidnappings happened a month ago in a seemingly quiet, residential neighborhood.
Then, the victim was also a teenage girl.
In the first two attacks, victims described a 20-something-year-old man, around 5'7" and weighing 150 pounds. He was also driving a white 4-door car.
Police have stepped patrols around the schools, and are educating school staff about kidnappings.
"We have been very blessed that all three victims have been able to get away from this attacker, but another victim might not be so lucky," said Snell. He said in his 18 years on the force, he's never seen three attempted kidnappings in Hayward.