Police Investigate Attempted Kidnapping of Teen

UPDATED 4/25: Police released a composite sketch of the suspect. They are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the individual.
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Gaithersburg police say a teenage boy was jogging last night (April 22) in a Gaithersburg neighborhood when an unknown man tried to kidnap him.

According to police, the 14-year-old boy was running on the sidewalk in the 500 block of Midsummer Drive on April 22 shortly before 7 p.m. when the suspect exited a van and grabbed the boy by the arm.

Officer Dan Lane said the teen pushed the man away and ran in the opposite direction away from the suspect. Police said the suspect then got back into the van and drove away towards Muddy Branch Road.

When asked if patrols would be increased in the area today, Lane said in an email: “Officers will be in the area patrolling.”

Police have released the following suspect description:  a Hispanic male, with a medium complexion, muscular build, with short black hair, 6’0″- 6’01”, 190-210 lbs, with a goatee, brown eyes, a round face and sideburns that go to the middle of his ears.  Police said the suspect was last seen wearing a white crew neck style t-shirt, ¾ length sleeves, white pants and tan boots, possibly work style.  According to police, the van is described as a square style, similar to a delivery or painter van and possibly a Ford or Chevy model, white in color with the passenger and rear having a red trim along the top.  Police said the license plate is located to the right rear of the bumper and has round shaped brake lights and square shaped blinkers.  Police said the van has a passenger side sliding door and the wheels are solid black with no hubcaps.  The front passenger side window is extremely tinted, according to the vehicle description released by police.

Detectives are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the Gaithersburg Police Investigations Section at 301.258.6400.  Those who wish to remain anonymous may call the Gaithersburg Police Tip Line at 301.330.4471.

Gaithersburg Police provided the following safety tips for being out and about:

–      As you walk down the street or through the complexes and parking lots, walk alertly and assertively.

–      Walk in the middle of the sidewalk rather than against doorways or curbs.

–      Know where the closet 24-hour gas station or store is, in case you need help late at night.

–      Park in areas that are well traveled and will be well lighted if you should return after dark.

–      Keep purses hugged close to your body and wallets in your front pants or jacket pockets.

–      Use busy, well lighted stops when utilizing the bus or metro system.

–      Tell friends and family where you are going and when you expect to be back.

–      If someone appears to be following you, turn in the opposite direction or cross the street.  If they continue to follow you, locate a group of people and ask for help.

–      Avoid using headphones or talking on a cell phone when walking.