HOMESTEAD, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are searching for a man who allegedly attempted to abduct a 10-year-old girl at an apartment complex in Homestead.
The incident occurred on May 31 at the Phoenix Apartments, located in the 1500 block of Northeast Eighth Street.
According to police, the girl was taking out the trash when she saw a man exposing himself as he exited his vehicle.
“A black male approached her with his pants unbuttoned and his privates exposed and attempted to grab her,” said Homestead Police Officer Paula Carballosa.
When the suspect attempted to grab the girl, police say, she quickly ran and hid in a nearby playground area.
“She hides there until the male is no longer in view and then goes to her house,” said Carballosa.
After the encounter, the young girl met with police and a sketch artist to draw up the man.
The subject is described as a Black male with a dark complexion and short hair, between 40 and 50 years old, approximately 5’9″ to 5’10”, and weighing 150-175 pounds.
The young girl also described the car the man fled in.
Police said he fled in an older model, cream or beige 4-door sedan, possibly a Toyota, and was last seen driving westbound on Northeast Eighth Street. Carballosa also added that the girl mentioned the car had “a lot of items strewn through the vehicle.”
Now, neighbors are trying to put a name to the drawing.
“He does not look familiar at all,” said neighbor Lessly Quintanilla.
“He’s a predator. 10-year-old girl,” said neighbor Kirk Thorpe.
Neighborhood residents said they are now in fear for their own children.
“I’m not letting my nephews come out and play in the park without somebody being there, like right there,” said Quintanilla.
“I don’t like this. Now I gotta get a look out for my niece,” said Thorpe.
If you have any information on this crime, call Homestead Police at 305-224-5520.
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