Attempted abduction details released

Published 11:00 pm Thursday, December 18, 2014

Suffolk police have released a more detailed description of a suspect who tried to abduct a 4-year-old boy from his bus stop last week.

The incident happened as the boy and fellow students waited near the intersection of north Broad Street and Third Avenue to catch the bus to Elephant’s Fork Elementary School on Friday morning.

A witness describes the man as a black male, 5 feet 11 inches to 6 feet tall, 30 to 40 years of age, with no facial hair, according to a city press release. He is further described as a man with “skinny arms” but who has a “slight stomach” or is “chubby.”

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He was reportedly wearing a black knit hat, a black zip-up sweatshirt with a hoodie, black plants and blue sneakers.

In a letter to parents, Elephant’s Fork Principal Andre Skinner reminded parents to discuss the potential danger of strangers with children.

“Remind them to never accept rides or carry on a conversation with unfamiliar people,” he wrote, also urging parents to remind children to report such incidents to adults immediately.

The incident remains under investigation, according to the press release.

Anyone who has information is asked to call Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP or text the keyword SPDVATIP and the tip to 274637 (CRIMES). Tipsters never have to give their names or appear in court, and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.