Police Investigating Two Alleged Attempted Kidnappings At Summer Camp
MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Police are investigating a second report of an attempted kidnapping at a summer camp in Kendall where another investigation ended with the arrest of a now former-member of the center.
Parents at the JCC in Kendall got word of a second incident involving a 9-year old girl happening two days before the attempted kidnapping of a 6-year old girl.
"I didn't pay that much attention to how many times it happened. I just paid attention that it happened," said parent Teri Sibai.
Parents expressed concern Wednesday and Ed Rosen, center director for the JCC located at 11155 SW 112th Ave, responded with implementing new rules after reports of an attempted kidnapping of a 6-year-old girl on July 10th.
Wednesday night a second report, similar to the incident that occurred July 10th, came to light which allegedly happened at the center on July 8th to a 9-year-old girl.
According to Miami-Dade Police, the incident was reported to police on July 10th.
Police said the 9-year-old was at the vending machine when a man grabbed her from behind and tried to pull her toward the restroom. The girl, much like the 6-year-old, was able to get away unharmed. Police said she ran away screaming.
It is unclear as of Thursday morning if the incidents are connected.
Dean Beck, 39, was arrested at the JCC last week after police say he tried to pull the 6-year-old into the men's bathroom.
Beck, who is said to be intellectually disabled and is a registered sex offender, has been charged with attempted kidnapping.
Rosen said Beck is a long-time member at the JCC who participated in the center's special needs fitness program. His membership has since been revoked.
The JCC is a place where both parents and children feel safe.
"My family comes here. I just dropped off my son at summer camp with a young lady. I do feel they are doing everything to keep them safe," said Sibai.
It's an unfortunate situation but one that parents should learn from.
"This could happen anywhere. We have to educate our children, show them what happened so they can see that it is real. A lot of times they don't want to listen to us parents but show it to them so they could see it's for real," said Alvaro Zabaleta of the Miami-Dade Police.
Children should also always know what to do.
"That's when you have to tell them not to panic, scream out loud, grab attention and go to an adult," said Zabaleta.
Police ask that any other victims come forward and contact authorities, or report the incident to Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS.
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