Police canvass, investigate attempted abduction of local 12-year-old boy

WASHINGTON — Prince George’s County Police Department canvassed a Capitol Heights, Md. neighborhood Saturday looking for a man who they say tried to kidnap a 12-year-old child.

According to a police statement, on Nov. 15, 2013, around 5:15 p.m., officers were called to the 200 block of Cabin Branch Road for an attempted abduction. The victim told the officers that a man had just walked up to him in the 6500 block of Wilburn Drive.

The suspect asked the child if he wanted any candy from his van. When the child tried to walk away, the man grabbed him by the jacket. The victim was able to free himself and began running down Cabin Branch Drive toward Central Avenue. He then was able to get to Central High School where he called police.

Police described the suspect as a middle-aged black male who is 6’0″ tall with a skinny build and balding hair. He was wearing a black leather jacket, blue jeans and black boots. He was driving a black mini-van.

Rolland Hunter lives in the neighborhood. He was a bit unnerved when he came out of his home and a detective handed him a flyer seeking his help in finding the suspect.

“I tell you what, we’re glad to see that they’re here, but not for this, because this is a safe neighborhood, or at least we think it’s safe,” Hunter says.

Detectives and patrol units continue to canvass the neighborhood and interview neighbors and any potential witnesses.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Regional Investigation Division of the Prince George’s County Police Department at 301-772-4910. Potential witnesses or anyone with information may also call the Crime Solvers line anonymously at 1-866-411-TIPS.

“No piece of information is too small,” says Officer Nicole Hubbard. “Anything they think that they see could be a keep piece of information in this case.”

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