Berkeley Police Investigate String Of Attempted Kidnappings
BERKELEY (CBS SF) -- Berkeley police say they are investigating a new report of an attempted kidnapping that occurred earlier this week, shortly before an incident on Sunday in which a man of the same description tried to lure three girls into a van.
The most recently reported incident involving a girl walking alone occurred Sunday shortly before 6 p.m. in the area of College Avenue and Webster Street. The girl was approached by a suspect in a black full-sized cargo van with no side or rear windows, police said.
The incident occurred about 15 minutes before one reported to police earlier this week, in which a suspect of the same description yelled at three girls walking in the area, demanding they get into his van.
The man pursued the girls on foot when they ran away, police said, but ended his chase when they started to scream. He was last seen driving south on College Avenue.
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The suspect was described as a Hispanic male in his late 20s or early 30s with dark hair and a "scruffy face," police said.
The description of the suspect, his vehicle and the incident itself is similar to an episode that occurred the night of Sept. 18, near Willard Middle School.
In that incident, two Willard Middle School students were walking on Telegraph Avenue, near Stuart Street, when a van pulled up next to them and a suspect told them to get inside, according to police.
Like in Sunday's incidents, the students refused and later reported it to authorities.
Police are searching for any video surveillance from the area that might have captured the suspect, and have increased patrols in the affected areas before and after school.
Community members who see the suspect or any suspicious activity are asked to call 911 or (510) 981-5900 immediately. Those with other information are asked to call investigators at (510) 981-5715.
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