9OYS Crime Alert
Attempted abduction victim started screaming at the top of her lungs
The brazen attack happened in broad daylight near the UofA
Reporter: Valerie Cavazos, Cory Marshall
TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) -- Tucson police need your help to find a man accused of what they say is a "brazen" attempted abduction.
At about 9:15am on Sunday, the victim walked down the sidewalk near East University and North 3rd Avenue. Police say that's when the suspect -- drove up to her -- and asked for directions. The man asked if she would personally guide him. And offered her money to do so. The victim refused to go with him and then he drove away.
But he would return.
Police say a short while later -- the victim continued walking north on 3rd Avenue toward 2nd Street and the man approached her -- this time on foot. Police say he suddenly picked her up and carried her into a nearby alley, but the victim started screaming at the top of her lungs. He let go and then ran away.
Matt, who asked not to be shown on camera saw almost all of it happen before his own eyes, "The whole thing seemed weird. I don't even know why it seemed weird. It just seemed strange on a Sunday morning."
"I was just hanging out at a market that I hang out at and I noticed a girl coming down the street and she turned north. A couple minutes later I heard a lady screaming," Matt told 9OYS.
Matt followed the screams up the sidewalk. By the time Matt reached the girl a neighbor was holding her, comforting her cries.
Sgt. Chris Widmer said the victim did the right thing. "We'd never advise anyone to go with someone like this .. Scream, fight, kick and let someone know what's going on especially in broad daylight."
Fortunately, the man couldn't hide behind the darkness of the night so the victim got a good look at him.
Police have released a composite sketch of the man.
"It's very possible that this individual may have change his appearance. He may not have the beard anymore. He may not have the hair. He may try to disguise himself, but there's unique facial features people can look at and recognize."
And there's also this description of what he was wearing.
A black leather jacket with brown stripes on sleeves and faded blue jeans
And the victim told police he was driving a White 1990's model Sports Utility Vehicle.
"We've made the public aware -- now the media -- and we're just trying to work to get this individual off the street," said Sgt. Widmer.
Sgt. Widmer also said TPD has also sent the composite sketch\ to other law enforcement all the way to Phoenix.
Police are not releasing any information about the victim -- just that she's female.
Anyone with information about the man is asked to call 9-1-1 or 88-CRIME.
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