Federal Way police release sketch in attempted abduction of girl

FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — Federal Way police have released a sketch of a suspect in the attempted abduction of an 8-year-old girl Saturday.

The girl said she was crossing the Brigadoon Elementary playfield at 3601 Southwest 336 Street about 5:20 p.m., when an unknown Hispanic man asked her if she wanted candy.

The girl told him no and attempted to run away, but stumbled.

The man followed the girl, grabbing her from behind when she stumbled.  She scratched and bit both of the man’s hands, causing him to let go and allowing her to escape.

With the help of the girl, a composite sketch of the man was developed. The girl also identified the bandana worn by the man as having a similar pattern to the one pictured in this story.

The Hispanic man is described as 30-50 years old, wearing a reddish/purple baseball hat sideways, a red bandana around his neck, a blue T-shirt, tight tan pants and black shoes.

On Sunday at about 11:30 a.m., a 7-year-old boy reported that a man with a similar description tried to grab him at about the same location as the first incident.

The boy said the man ran from the area.

Officers established a perimeter and a K-9 was brought in,  but the boy wasn't able to give officers a starting point for the dog to begin the track.

The second incident is still being investigated and evaluated by detectives to determine if the two cases are related.

Federal Way police are asking for the public's help in identifying the man or to provide information about the incidents or others with similar circumstances.  Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Michael Coffey at 253 835-6777 or email him at michael.coffey@cityoffederalway.com.

Federal Way Police Department detectives are working  with Federal Way school security and Brigadoon Elementary staff, reviewing video surveillance that may help the investigation.

KIRO