Police Release Sketch Of Attempted Kidnapper In Pasadena

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — Police sought the public's help Tuesday to identify a man who attempted to kidnap a 22-year-old woman from a residential neighborhood.

Around 10 p.m. on April 17, the suspect tried to engage in conversation with a woman as he drove alongside her near the intersection of Marengo Avenue and Tremont Street, according to the Pasadena Police Department.

When the woman ignored him, the suspect exited his vehicle, chased after her and struck her.

Police said the suspect then forced the woman into his vehicle, however, she was able to fight him off and run for help. Police say the victim did exactly as she should have done by fighting back.

"Cops came by I think a day after the incident, and they asked me if I heard anything," resident Grace Manzanero said. "You feel like you're at a campground site, because it's so quiet at night time."

Detectives described the suspect as an African American man in his mid to late 30s who has a round face with bushy eyebrows, a shaved head that is shiny, and a dark complexion. They said the suspect tried to initiate contact with the victim.

"When she ignored him, he got out of the car and actually went up and grabbed her," Pasadena Police Lt. Diego Torres said. "We're really not sure of his intention, that's what's scary, but (he may have been) just trying to kidnap somebody and being as forceful as he was, it's definitely a concern."

The suspect has a heavy build, stands 5-foot-10 tall, and weighs 200 pounds. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt with dark blue jeans.

The suspect's vehicle was described as a gray, newer model Honda CR-V or similar type of SUV.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Pasadena Police Department at (626) 744-6418.