Attempted kidnapping near Deal and Murch

[jsteele]

Just saw this in my Twitter feed:

https://mpdc.dc.gov/release/suspect-sought-kidnapping-offense-3700-block-davenport-street-northwest

Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department's Kidnapping Squad seek the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect in reference to a Kidnapping offense that occurred on Monday, January 22, 2018, in the 3700 block of Davenport Street, Northwest.

At approximately 8:05 am, a juvenile victim was walking, to school, at the listed location. The suspect approached the victim from behind. The suspect grabbed the victim and lifted her off the ground. After a brief struggle, the victim was able to escape, and fled the scene.

The suspect is described as a white male, 50 to 70 years old, approximately 5’7” in height, skinny with a muscular build. The suspect had a full gray beard. The suspect was last seen wearing a black sweatshirt, black sweatpants, black boots, and a black hat rolled up on his head. He may be operating an older black car with tinted windows.

[jsteele]

It appears the victim was a Deal student. This just came from the principal:

Dear Deal Families,

The well-being of your children is of the utmost importance to us. Communicating with you about issues as they arise is a large part of being good partners to our community.

This morning, one of our students reported being accosted by an unknown person while walking to school. The incident was immediately reported to the Metropolitan Police Department (MPD). While MPD investigates, my team and I are exploring temporary and long-term solutions to ensure our students' safety when traveling to and from school.

I wanted to inform you of this incident and assure you that the commitment to keeping your child safe is top priority for us all.

[Anonymous]

That's terrifying. Thanks for letting us know.

[Anonymous]

And here I thought my helicopter parenting days were almost behind me.

[Anonymous]

Yikes.

[Anonymous]

Good on her for escaping.

Maybe it's time to sign the kids up for self defense classes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Good on her for escaping.

Maybe it's time to sign the kids up for self defense classes.

I was thinking the same thing!

[Anonymous]

I know this type of thing is statistically very rare, but it is frightening nonetheless. Jeez.

[Anonymous]

This makes me want to vomit. Neighbors, watch out for each others' kids. Also, take advantage of the city program to mount video surveillance on your homes. I wish we would go CCTV n DC and catch all of the criminals that wreak havoc on the good.

[Anonymous]

Willow St Yoga in Takoma Park is hosting a couple teen and tween self defense workshop soon. Here is the link to the older kids one https://www.eventbrite.com/e/teens-self-defense-workshop-tickets-41152674758

[Anonymous]

They need some kind of safety patrol right away.
Very scary I hope the girl is okay.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:They need some kind of safety patrol right away.
Very scary I hope the girl is okay.

There are already two at one end of that short block. That is a pretty busy street at that hour.

[Anonymous]

This is terribly frightening, and awful to have to explain to your child.

Deal sent out a note this morning- teachers and administrators will be outside from 7:30-8:30 this morning.

I pick my 6th grade girl up on Davenport street - so much easier than fighting to get right in front of the school. She and I agreed this morning that she'd call me and we'd decide on a pickup place based on what other kids were doing.

[Anonymous]

So scary. We live near Deal and I know that we and other neighbors keep an eye out the window in the mornings-- lots of kids walk to Deal, but they are usually in groups.

[Anonymous]

does anyone know a good self-defense course for tweens/ teens in Tenleytown area?