A 13-year-old girl has reported a possible abduction attempt by a subject in a van. Officers are working to learn more, but want to alert the public to be aware of the incident.
On Saturday, December 7, 2019, at 6:00 p.m., an East Precinct officer responded to a suspicious circumstances call. The officer learned that the girl was walking in the 9600 block of Southeast Harold Street when she said a white utility van stopped next to her. She said the driver called out to her and asked for her phone number. She tried to ignore him and keep walking. The man then reportedly got out of the van and tried to grab her arm. The girl hit the man in the face and he ran back to his van and drove off.
The victim was not hurt.
The victim described the suspect as a black male, unknown age, slim but athletic build, about 6-foot tall, black hair with shoulder length dreadlocks, a goatee, and a mustache. He wore a black hoodie and a black baseball cap with red brim. The vehicle was a white utility style van with no windows on the sides. It had a hinged doors on the right side cargo compartment. The passenger compartment was dirty and cluttered.
If anyone saw this incident, or has surveillance video that might help the investigation, they're asked to call police non-emergency at 503 823 3333 and reference case number 19-419680. The primary investigator is Officer Andrew Braun at Andrew.braun@portlandoregon.gov.
The Portland Police Bureau would like to offer the following tips for people who walk, ride or jog alone:
* Be aware of your surroundings.
* Consider bringing a cell phone.
* If you have earphones or earbuds in, keep one ear free to listen to your surroundings.
* Tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to return.
The Portland Police Bureau GirlStrength and WomenStrength Programs provide free self-defense classes and personal safety workshops to people around the Portland area. To learn more information about these programs, call 503-823-0260 or visit http://www.portlandonline.com/police/womenstrength
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