Florida 10-year-old flees attempted kidnapping suspect in Fort Lauderdale
Home security video shows a 10-year-old girl sprinting down a suburban street in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, last week, after police say an unidentified adult male tried to lure her. Courtesy: Fort Lauderdale Police Department / LOCAL NEWS X /TMX
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A 10-year-old Fort Lauderdale girl escaped two alleged kidnapping attempts on her way to school last week, according to police in Florida, who are now offering a $5,000 reward in the case.
A portion of one of the two incidents, caught on a home security camera, shows the girl running down a suburban street before she stops to catch her breath for a few seconds, only to resume her sprint.
Fort Lauderdale police say an unidentified adult male attempted to lure the girl with candy, money and other bait on her way to school Wednesday.
She refused, but he "attempted to grab her," according to authorities. She slipped away and told investigators he was driving a black work van with possible rear-end damage. The sliding side doors did not have windows, she told police.
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The suspect in a pair of attempted kidnappings targeting the same 10-year-old girl is described as a White male between 30 and 40 years old, standing between 5 feet, 10 inches and six feet tall, with brown hair. An image of the suspect police released shows he may be balding on the back of his head. He was wearing glasses and a dark long-sleeve shirt with black jeans, as well as white sneakers. (Fort Lauderdale Police Department / LOCAL NEWS X /TMX)
The following morning, he tried again, police say.
Fort Lauderdale police released this wanted poster in connection with the case. (Fort Lauderdale Police Department)
"The young girl was approached by the same male while on her way to school, this time on foot," police said in a statement. "She immediately ran away towards the school."
The suspect is described as a White male between 30 and 40 years old, standing between 5 feet, 10 inches and six feet tall, with receding brown hair and a medium build.
Investigators are now offering $5,000 for information in connection with the case. (Fort Lauderdale PD)
The incidents happened outside 1500 NE 17th Way, according to police, between 7:30 and 8 a.m. on each day.
They released an updated flyer showing a rendering of the suspect vehicle Monday evening. They said it may have rear taillight damage.
This rendering shows the possible suspect vehicle in a pair of attempted kidnappings of a 10-year-old girl on her way to school in Fort Lauderdale last week. (Fort Lauderdale PD)
An image of the suspect police released shows he may be balding on the back of his head. He was wearing glasses and a dark long-sleeve shirt with black jeans, as well as white sneakers.
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"These incidents are of great concern to us, and we need your help finding the person responsible," police said.
"Due to the circumstances, we are considering this a possible attempted abduction. If you recognize the male or the van, or if you happen to have video of either of these incidents, please call Detective Tiana DeQuarto at 954-828-6559."
