Attempted Kidnapping Suspect Wanted– At 1 p.m. Sunday, October 11, a female, 45-year-old resident of Canyon Country was waiting for the bus at Sierra Highway and Dolan Street in Canyon Country. A man drove up in a car and stopped to talk to her, asking for directions.

She leaned in toward the car to answer his question, when he suddenly reached out with both hands and grabbed her arms in an apparent attempt to pull her into the car. She yelled and began kicking the car door.

There were other people in the area who appeared to take notice. The suspect then drove away.

We are seeking the help of the public in identifying this suspect. If you saw this incident occur, please contact the Sheriff’s Station. The suspect has been described as a male Hispanic, in his 30’s, slight build, with black hair and a mustache. A composite sketch has been completed. Please help us identify this man.

The suspect’s vehicle was a 1980’s, white or light beige, 2 door. The front fender has black primer on the driver’s side.

This crime does not appear to be related to any similar crimes which have been reported. For personal safety we recommend that you be wary when strangers try to initiate a conversation. Remember to be aware of your surroundings and refrain from getting close enough for someone to grab you. We have included additional personal safety recommendations:

Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station officials are offering the following personal safety tips:

• Always be alert and aware of the people around you, especially if you are alone or it is dark.
• Educate yourself concerning prevention tactics.
• Be aware of locations and situations which would make you vulnerable to crime, such as alleys, dark parking lots, and remote unlit or sparsely traveled walkways and pathways.
• Whenever possible, travel or walk with a friend.
• Stay in well-lighted areas as much as possible.
• Avoid doorways, bushes, and alleys where someone could hide.
• Walk confidently, and at a steady pace.
• Do not respond to conversation from strangers on the street when other risk factors are present, continue walking.
• Don’t set a pattern – use different routes of travel and varying times when walking, exercising, or leaving your house or place of business.
• Immediately report suspicious activity or persons in your neighborhoods to the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station.
• Be a good witness – Try to get a vehicle license plate number. If you can’t get the vehicle license plate number try to get as much identifying information about the vehicle or person as you can. Such as, color, make, model, damage, type of rims, stickers, etc. pertaining to vehicles. Clothing, scars, tattoos, oddities, etc. pertaining to people.
• Take a cell phone picture or video of the person or vehicle if you can safely do so. Save/store the information in your phone or PDA.
• Write down license plates of unfamiliar vehicles in your neighborhoods in case something comes of them at a later date. The information may solve a case should a crime be occurring.
• Immediately call 9-1-1 and use your cell phone if you have one as a deterrent.

Anyone with information regarding this crime or the suspect depicted in the composite sketch is asked to immediately contact the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station at (661) 255-1121 or Detective Christina Bryne, Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Robbery and Assault Team at (661)799-5145. If you spot this suspect or crimes in progress you should immediately report it by dialing 9-1-1.