Florida: Surveillance Video Captures Man Trying To Kidnap 10-Year-old Girl Twice by Offering Her Candy
Florida police say that a 10-year-old girl from Fort Lauderdale escaped two attempts to kidnap her on her way to school last week. They are now offering a $5,000 reward for information about the case.
A home security camera caught one of the two events, which showed the girl running down a suburban street, stopping for a while to catch her breath, and then running again, per a Fox News report.
Fort Lauderdale police say that the girl was walking to school on Wednesday when an adult man she did not know tried to get her attention with candy, money, and other things.
Authorities say that when the girl refused, he tried to grab her. She snuck away and told the police that he was driving a black work van that might have had damage in the back. She told the police that the folding side doors had no windows.
READ NEXT: Florida: Good Samaritan Prevents Kidnapping of 2 Elementary Girls
Second Florida Kidnapping Attempt Failed Again
According to police, the suspect tried to kidnap the girl the following day.
"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 30- to 40-year-old White male between five feet ten inches and six feet tall with brown hair.
According to Yahoo, the suspect appears to be balding on the back of his head in a photo that the police have provided. He was wearing white sneakers, a dark long-sleeved shirt, black jeans, and eyeglasses.
A Witness Near Florida School Helped the Girl
A person walks up to them and asks the 10-year-old if she knows the man, says Fort Lauderdale Police detective Ali Adamson.
She rejects it. Even though she said "no," the suspect said they knew each other and that he was her grandfather.
The witness instructed the girl to run as she realized something was wrong, Daily Mail noted.
So, the girl ran to Bendle Elementary and reported the incident to the staff, who called the police, according to Adamson.
"You drop your daughter at school and a few hours later, you get this call," her mother said, horrified at what happened.
"I'm just happy she's ok. I'm just happy that she made a good conscious decision to run and go seek help," she added.
Meanwhile, the suspect in the Florida kidnapping was not yet caught.
According to police, the incident is a significant concern and needs everyone's help to find the suspect.
A $5,000 reward is now being offered for his capture, according to Local 10.
"Due to the circumstances, we consider 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."
READ MORE: Kanye West Isn't Losing Money Amids Antisemitic Rants, Gains Support Instead
This article is owned by Latin Post.
Written by: Bert Hoover
WATCH: Apparent kidnapping attempt caught on surveillance video - From Good Morning America