Glenview Man Charged In School Bus Stop Kidnapping Attempt: Police

GLENVIEW, IL — Following an incident Monday in which a man attempted to kidnap a 13-year-0ld female student as she exited her school bus, Glenview police announced Thursday an arrest has been made. Pratib Ranjit, 24, of the 4100 block of Cove Lane, Glenview, is accused of felony aggravated battery and felony unlawful restraint.

During Thursday court proceedings, Cook County Circuit Court Associate Judge Anthony Calabrese set Ranjit's bond at $750,000.

Police said a man, later identified as Ranjit, attempted to kidnap the student soon after she had exited her school bus at around 3:33 p.m. Monday at Milwaukee Avenue and Kennicott Lane.

In court Thursday, Cook County State's Attorney Jennifer Ravin Fretzin said in the proffer the victim was walking home when she was grabbed from behind by Ranjit, who then dragged her to the ground. The student turned to see Ranjit's face and began yelling, before he put his "whole body" on top of her. The victim began kicking and elbowing the defendant, and was afraid Ranjit was going to "pick her up or drag her from the street."

Eventually, she was able to elbow him in the head and wrestle out of Ranjit's hold, before running home. The victim made an outcry to her father, who immediately called 911, according to prosecutors.

Police were able to obtain video surveillance from a local business of the incident and discover a vehicle involved, which had damage to its body. Fretzin said they were able to identify Ranjit as owner of the vehicle after finding it parked at a hotel nearby while investigating the area. The victim was then able to identify Ranjit as the man who had grabbed her in a photo lineup. Police said the victim was uninjured in the attack.

According to the prosecution, Ranjit allegedly admitted to not only being involved in this incident, but admitted to police he has a "problem when I see pretty girls." He also said he's been "trying to control himself," but hasn't been able to be around "pretty girls in the past." Ranjit said his "system" is to "go, grab and run away." He also said that when he realized the victim in this incident was a child, he "lost interest" and would have tried to have sex with her if not for her age. Ranjit also reportedly said, "it is only worth it to assault a woman if she's attractive."

Fretzin said it was Ranjit's first arrest, but the CCSAO was asking for the maximum conditions in the case due in part to the age difference between the two parties.

"I can't imagine the terror that a 13-year-old would feel, having found themselves in this extraordinary condition," Calabrese said before announcing his ruling, later commending the Glenview Police Department for its work in the case.

The judge requested a mental health evaluation for Ranjit be conducted before his next court date, scheduled for Feb. 16.

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