POMPANO BEACH, FL – Authorities are on the lookout for a man who allegedly attempted to kidnap a 15-year-old girl at gunpoint. The incident occurred early Thursday morning, and the Broward Sheriff’s Office (BSO) has released a sketch and surveillance footage in hopes of identifying the suspect.
The teenager was walking to school around 7 a.m. when a gray sedan approached her from behind. According to deputies, the driver ordered her to get into the car. When she refused and continued walking along Northwest 12th Court near Second Avenue, the man drove up beside her, brandished a firearm, and demanded she enter the vehicle.
In a courageous act, the girl fled the scene after seeing the gun. The suspect then drove off eastbound. The BSO has described the man as being between 20 and 35 years old, with facial hair, and wearing a white tank top and black gym shorts at the time of the incident.
Local residents and law enforcement officials are urging anyone with information to come forward. The sketch released by the BSO is a critical tool in their efforts to capture the suspect. Community members are also calling for increased police patrols in the area to ensure the safety of students and residents.
The Broward County Crime Stoppers have provided a hotline for tips, 954-493-TIPS, and information can also be submitted via the Safe Watch app. Authorities believe that public assistance is crucial in apprehending the suspect and preventing future incidents.
The incident has raised concerns about community safety, particularly for young students walking to school. Parents and local leaders are advocating for more robust security measures to protect children from similar threats in the future.