University Police Searching For Kidnapping Suspect
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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - There's a developing story in Arlington, on the University of Texas at Arlington campus, where the search is on for a kidnapper. While the hunt for the suspect continues, police are warning students to be aware of their surroundings and to be vigilant.
All of the actions come after a woman went to police and told them she'd been kidnapped.
The woman says she was taken from a bus stop on the university's campus. The victim told police she was waiting at the Metro ArlingtonXpress bus stop, on Center Street, Thursday night when a man with a knife approached her.
The woman, who is not a student at the university, said the man grabbed her by the arm and threatened to hurt her if she didn't follow instructions.
Captain Mike McCord, a spokesman with UTA police, said, "These types of things just are not something that happens very often if at all on our campus, and we take it very seriously."
As it turns out, UTA police were already working what they describe as a "potential missing persons case" involving the victim. Then on Friday, that missing persons case turned into an alleged kidnapping.
"She was taken by vehicle to an unknown location, where we believe she was drugged," Captain McCord explained. "[And] then she walked to a friend's residence. Later on Friday was when we were notified by Arlington PD, and we got involved in the investigation."
A bulletin about the alleged kidnapping was sent out to the campus community and most students who spoke with CBS 11 News said they are keeping safety top of mind.
Student Jamilla Abdullah said, "I don't live on campus, but I recommend that everyone walk around in groups."
UTA student Ana Enriquez said she is taking safety into her own hands. "I'm not here late at night, but, I do carry pepper spray in my bag just in case."
UTA police say they are in the early stages of their investigation, but have stepped up patrols and are reminding students and staff that they can always call for an escort if needed.
The suspect is described as a tall, black male in his mid 30s. The suspect had no facial hair, was muscular, and was wearing a black beanie cap, black t-shirt, and baggy black pants at the time of the incident. The victim also said the man had a long scar on the inside of his right forearm.
Anyone with information about the kidnapping or suspect is asked to contact UTA police at 817-272-3381.
(©2014 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)
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