Search continues for man who tried to abduct woman, girl in Hollywood

Hollywood police: Man placed T-shirt, cloth over victims in both cases

HOLLYWOOD, Fla. ā€“ The search continued Sunday for a man who tried to abduct a woman and a young girl just a few minutes apart in Hollywood, police said.

"I don't think in my time here at the department that we've ever had an instance of this nature occur back to back," said Lt. Derik Alexander, of the Hollywood Police Department.

The first attack happened around 6:30 a.m. Friday in the 1900 block of Funston Street. The man approached the woman from behind and tried to throw a shirt over her head, then picked her up and threatened her with a knife.

"That abduction attempt was interrupted by a vehicle that was driving down the street," said Alexander.

Ruth Medina and her son both heard the victim screaming right outside their home.

"I shouted, 'Are you OK?'" said Medina. "She put her face (down) and said, 'Yeah, I'm alright.'"

Police said the attacker struck again just 13 minutes later and a few blocks away in the 300 block of S. 21st Avenue.

In the second incident, the victim was under 18 -- a girl who was walking to school. Again, the man threw a T-shirt or cloth over the girl's head. Police said the girl kicked, and screamed until the man let her go and ran away.

The woman and girl described the man as black with a light complexion who was about 30 years old, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighed about 135 pounds and had a full facial beard. The victims told police the man wore a black baseball cap, black shirt and black jeans.

"We will be passing out fliers in hopes of peaking people's interest and have them be more observant," Alexander said.

Anyone with information about these incidents or who knows the man's identity is asked to call the Hollywood Police Department at 954-967-4321 or 954-967-4411. Police said tipsters can email hollywoodpdtips@hollywoodfl.org and information can also be given to Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.


About the Author:

Liane Morejon is an Emmy-winning reporter who joined the Local 10 News family in January 2010. Born and raised in Coral Gables, Liane has a unique perspective on covering news in her own backyard.