Same Man Suspected In Third Attempted Hollywood Abduction
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HOLLYWOOD (CBSMiami) – For the third time in nearly two weeks, a young girl was nearly abducted in Hollywood and police believe the same man is responsible for each attack.
The most recent incident took place Wednesday morning.
A girl was walking to her bus stop on 19th Avenue and McKinley Street in Hollywood when a man waited in an alleyway for a victim. Police say the man asked the girl the time, then as she walked away he attacked.
"He grabbed her by the back of her shirt and attempted to control her," said Hollywood Police Chief Frank Fernandez.
CLICK HERE to watch Carey Codd's report
Fernandez said as a school bus drove up the man released his hold on the girl and grabbed her buttocks as she was running away.
In response, Hollywood Police say they will flood the area with undercover officers and marked police units.
Officers also went door to door in the surrounding neighborhood on Wednesday, handing out flyers and asking residents to report anything suspicious in hopes of locating the man.
"We are deeply concerned," said Fernandez. "This to us is an all hands on deck approach."
This is the third time in less than two weeks that police believe this guy has tried to grab a woman or a teen in the past two weeks. A composite drawing of the suspect is posted around the neighborhood and at nearby businesses.
The first two incidents took place on Friday, October 17th. A girl was on her way to school at 6:33 a.m. on Funston Street when a man threw a sheet or cloth over her head. She struggled and screamed and the guy ran away. A short time later, a 6:46 a.m. on South 21st Avenue, a woman was walking when she was approached from behind from a guy who also threw a sheet over her head. She said she was picked up in a "bear hug" and threatened with a knife, according to police.
The woman struggled with the man but police believe a passing car forced the attempted abductor to run away.
People in the area are advised not to let their kids walk to the bus stop alone, and to keep their eyes open.
Residents and visitors are fearful and are taking precautions, like making sure their children travel in groups or with a parent, especially with Halloween approaching.
"Kids are very innocent and they don't deserve any of that," said April Romero.
Some residents however say crime is more and more common in this area.
"It's still scary because you think kids are safe but I'm not surprised," said Jeremy Wiley.
Chief Fernandez understands the concerns and promises that his department is making finding this guy a priority.
"We're not going to allow the next one to happen," Fernandez said. "We want to make sure we get ahead of this as quickly as possible."
If you have any information, call Crime Stoppers at (954) 493-TIPS.
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