All Out Search For Man Amid Repeated Abduction Attempts
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HOLLYWOOD (CBSMiami) – The hunt continues for an attempted abduction subject in Hollywood and with Halloween nearly upon us, residents and police want parents to be safe.
"They need to take a lot of precautions," said Nicole, who declined to give her last name, "Go out with the kids. Go out early. Get back in early."
At a news conference Wednesday, Hollywood Police Chief Frank Fernandez echoed that. He said he, along with officers and volunteer patrols all over the streets Friday night.
"We're gonna be out here in numbers," said Fernandez. "With Halloween coming around the corner, in a couple of days, and the kids being out in the dark we're asking the parents please make sure that you go out with your kids.
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Police were back out in the community keeping an eye on children headed to bus stops Thursday morning.
Officials also released the latest sketch of the subject in Wednesday's attempted abduction.
"To know there is actually someone out there lurking, wanting to do something to the children," said parent Barbara Hall. "That makes me nervous."
"We're not going allow the next one to happen, we want to make sure we get ahead of this as quickly as possible," added Chief Frank Hernandez with the Hollywood Police Department.
The most recent incident took place Wednesday morning.
The young girl was walking to her bus stop on 19th Avenue and McKinley Street in Hollywood when a man waited in an alleyway for a victim. Police say the man asked the girl the time, then as she walked away he attacked.
"He grabbed her by the back of her shirt and attempted to control her," said Hollywood Police Chief Frank Fernandez.
Fernandez said as a school bus drove up the man released his hold on the girl and grabbed her buttocks as she was running away.
In response, Hollywood Police say they will flood the area with undercover officers and marked police units.
"Scared that it's our neighbor and next time it might be me so I'm just being way more cautious when I walk," said a student named Vincent.
Another student Jaliya Wilson added, "Sometimes, I just run home from school when I think about it."
Officers also went door to door in the surrounding neighborhood on Wednesday, handing out flyers and asking residents to report anything suspicious in hopes of locating the man.
"We are deeply concerned," said Fernandez. "This to us is an all hands on deck approach."
A composite drawing of the suspect is posted around the neighborhood and at nearby businesses.
The first two incidents took place on Friday, October 17th. A girl was on her way to school at 6:33 a.m. on Funston Street when a man threw a sheet or cloth over her head. She struggled and screamed and the guy ran away. A short time later, a 6:46 a.m. on South 21st Avenue, a woman was walking when she was approached from behind from a guy who also threw a sheet over her head. She said she was picked up in a "bear hug" and threatened with a knife, according to police.
The woman struggled with the man but police believe a passing car forced the attempted abductor to run away.
People in the area are advised not to let their kids walk to the bus stop alone, and to keep their eyes open.
Residents and visitors are fearful and are taking precautions, like making sure their children travel in groups or with a parent, especially with Halloween approaching.
"Kind of stuck on high alert and don't ever come back down," said Javonna Wilson. "As a parent you want make sure to take all precautions. "
If you have any information, call Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
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