FL Girl, 10, Escapes Would-Be Kidnapper Twice; Suspect Search Underway

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — Fort Lauderdale police are asking for the public's help identifying a man investigators believe attempted to abduct a 10-year-old girl twice in one week, according to authorities.

Authorities this week released surveillance video footage of one of the encounters, which shows the girl running down the street, followed closely by a man whom police believe is the suspect.

According to Fort Lauderdale police, the unknown white male first approached the girl Wednesday between 7:30 and 8 a.m. as she was walking to Bennett Elementary School. He attempted to lure her by offering candy, money, and other items, which she declined, police said. The suspect then attempted to grab the girl, but she was able to escape.

After the first encounter, the girl told police the man was driving a black cargo-style van with possible damage to the rear end. The van had sliding doors but did not have windows on the doors, according to police.

On Thursday, the man approached the girl again around 7:40 a.m., according to police. This time, he was on foot. Police said the girl immediately ran toward school and away from the man.

Authorities are asking for the public's help identifying the suspect or his vehicle. Anyone with information should contact Detective Tiana DeQuarto at 954-828-6559.

Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the man's capture. The suspect is described as a man in his mid-30s. He has brown hair, a receding hairline and glasses. He was approximately 5-feet 10-inches to 6 feet tall.