Miami-Dade Police Release Sketch Of Man Accused Of Trying To Abduct Young Girl

MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- There's a safety alert in South Florida after Miami-Dade Police released a composite sketch of a man who they say tried to recently abduct a 9-year-old girl in West Miami-Dade as she was walking to her home.

It happened at 8 p.m. last Thursday at S.W. 129th Place and 10th Place. Police say the suspect said to the girl "Get in the van. I'll take you home."

They say the girl started running away as the man tried to grab her arm. He fled south.

Neighbor Vivian Ruiz told CBS4's Peter D'Oench that she had seen this suspect on Monday afternoon at an Extra Supermarket just two blocks north of where this crime happened last week. That Supermarket is at S.W. 8th St. and 129th Place.

"The day before yesterday I saw him at the Extra Supermarket," she said. "I saw this guy sitting there having something to drink. I have kids. I have 3 kids. I have a daughter. I can't even talk right now. I don't know what to say. I don't think any child should be out alone. I think they should be supervised by their parents at all times."

Police described the suspect as a white male with short black hair and a full beard and he was wearing a black shirt.

They also released a photo of white van that is similar to the one that the man was in. They do not know the make or model but they say it has a picture of Pink lollipops on it with white swirls on the side.

Neighbor Istkameart Acevedo said "I hope they catch him. He tried to abduct that girl. That was scary."

As she cradled her infant child, Vanessa Vargas said "I have lived here for 10 years. My children walk home from school and for something like to happen in our neighborhood, this is really concerning. I am concerned about the safety of the children here and the safety of the neighborhood."

MIami-Dade Police are actively working this case. It's not known if they will be passing out flyers in the neighborhood.

Anyone with information that can help should call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at (305) 471-TIPS (8477). Callers will remain anonymous and there is a reward of up to $1,000.