The 16th District of the Chicago Police Department has issued a community alert following an attempted kidnapping of a young girl in the Belmont Cragin neighborhood. According to the alert posted on the Chicago Police Department's website, on the afternoon of Saturday, August 31, at around 4:01 p.m., a 7-year-old was targeted by an unknown male as she rode her scooter along the 4100 block of North Marmora Avenue. The suspect, who was seen exiting a white van, threatened to abduct the girl, telling her, "I’m going to take you."
Reacting quickly, the young girl left her scooter and ran to safety, evading further confrontation with the offender. The Chicago Police Department describes the suspect as a white male with blue eyes, last seen in an all-black ensemble, including a ski mask, shirt, pants, and shoes. The vehicle used in the attempted kidnapping was a white van, which was last seen driving away northbound on Marmora Avenue before turning west on Berteau Avenue.
In response to this alarming attempt, authorities are urging the public to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity by calling 911. Recommendations for community safety have also been emphasized, particularly highlighting the importance of not allowing children to walk alone and establishing safe places along their routes to school.
Community members seeking to increase safety measures for children are encouraged to find out more about initiating Parent Patrol or Walking School Bus Programs. The CAPS Implementation Office can be reached at 312-742-4512 and offers further information on these and other safety programs. For more details on the alert and advice on protective measures, interested individuals can visit the official alert on the Chicago Police Department's website.
