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Police Release Sketch Of Suspect In New Year's Eve Kidnapping In Oakland

OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- Police Thursday released a sketch of a man who attacked a 19-year-old woman near Lake Merritt in Oakland on New Year's Day.

Police said the man appeared from between two parked cars and grabbed the woman by wrapping both of his arms around her while she was walking in the 200 block of 17th Street, near Jackson Street, at about 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 1.

The suspect told the woman he had a gun and began dragging her down the sidewalk, according to police.

A short time later, the man and woman both fell to the ground, allowing the victim to run away. The man fled before police arrived, police said.

The suspect is described as a black man in his mid-20s to early 30s, standing about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighing about 180 pounds with a medium complexion.

He was wearing a gray hooded parka that covered his head, and dark pants. He also smelled strongly of cigarettes, police said.

Oakland police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call (510) 238-3641 or the tip line at (510) 637-0298.

© Copyright 2014 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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