Police Canvass Neighborhood Of Attempted Mount Vernon Abduction

MOUNT VERNON, VA—Police will be going around the Mount Vernon neighborhood Wednesday night where they believe a man tried to kidnap an 8-year-old girl one week ago on Jan. 24. The girl was able to flee from the attempted kidnapper and give police a detailed description.

In an attempt to gather more leads, detectives will pass around flyers in the area of Frye Road and Madge Lane beginning at 5 p.m. Officers are also increasing their presence in the area and checking video surveillance. A detailed description and sketch of the unknown suspect is available.

The girl encountered the unknown man walking home from her school bus stop around 5:15 p.m. According to police, the man approached and tried to chat with her. When she refused, he tried to grab her arm. She was able to get free, and the man chased her for a short time before giving up. The victim made it home safely and reported the encounter to her mother.

She described the suspect as black, between 40 and 50 years old and around 5 foot 6 to 5 foot 7. He had short hair with a short beard, a mole on his left ear, a medium build and and a tattoo on his inner right forearm. He was wearing a black zip-up jacket with gray pockets, a black baseball hat with gray writing, black pants, black shoes and a black or gray backpack at the time.

Below is the flyer going out to residents. Anyone with information on man in the sketch or the incident should call Detective Hengemuhle at 703-246-3086, Fairfax County Police at 703-691-2131 or submit an anonymous tip online through Crime Solvers.

Images via Fairfax County Police