An attempted kidnapping of a child in Kissimmee has police pledging to assign more patrols in the area and parents taking steps of their own to protect their families.
- Kissimmee Police said the child was lured with offer of candy
- Incident occurred between Dillingham Avenue and Patrick Street
- Information? Call CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477)
According to Kissimmee Police, a black two-door car attempted to lure the 11-year-old boy by offering candy and telling him he had won a cash prize. While the man grabbed the boy's backpack, the kid was able to yank it away and run off.
The attempted kidnapping alarmed other area residents like Briceida Baez. A mother of three, Baez waited at a bus stop Wednesday to drive her child home from Denn John Middle School personally after hearing of the incident.
"I never waited for my son right here cause I live three houses back but right now for the situation yesterday I am just waiting for my son right here," Baez said.
The incident reportedly occurred between Dillingham Avenue and Patrick Street. Kissimmee Police told us they plan to patrol that area more often.
"This is very concerning, obviously," said police spokesperson Stacie Miller. "A child was grabbed, so we want to get a hold of this person and talk to him."
Parents in the neighborhood, meanwhile, are asking for answers.
"I want the police to resolve the situation, because all parents care," said Baez.
Officers described the suspect is as a 5' tall, brown skinned male without a foreign accent. He was wearing a black shirt, khaki pants and black shoes. He was also described as having some kind of skin discoloration on his forearms.
Anyone with information is asked to call CRIMELINE at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).