Police: No New Developments In Attempted Gaithersburg Kidnapping

Police are no closer to finding the suspect or the vehicle he used in an attempted kidnapping Monday evening in Gaithersburg, a Gaithersburg police spokesperson told Patch.

The attempted kidnapping took place around 7 p.m. on Midsummer Drive in the Washingtonian Woods neighborhood.

A 14-year-old boy was able to escape and run away from a male suspect after the suspect exited his van and grabbed the boy by his arm.

"In my past nine years, I cannot recall an incident occurring such as this," Gaithersburg police officer Dan Lane told Patch.

Washingtonian Woods residents told The Gazette that word of the attempted kidnapping spread quickly amongst neighbors.

"It just seems unbelievable that would happen here,” Claudine Rubin, a resident of Washingtonian Woods for 10 years, told The Gazette. 

Rubin said the description of the van used by the suspect—white, square style, similar to a delivery or painter van—is one that she and neighbors see workmen driving every day.

Tami Mensh, another longtime resident of the neighborhood, echoed Lane's sentiments.

"We’ve had car break-ins and things like that—but nothing that endangered one of our people, our neighbors,” she told The Gazette.

Lane encouraged citizens, if they see anything suspicious, to call the Gaithersburg police non-emergency number at 301-279-8000.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, with a medium complexion and muscular build, Lane said. He has short black hair, stands between 6 feet and 6 feet 1 inch, and weighs 190-210 pounds. He has a goatee, brown eyes, a round face and sideburns that go to the middle of his ears.

He also recommended the following tips for people out and about in the community:

• As you walk down the street or through the complexes and parking lots, walk alertly and assertively. 
• Walk in the middle of the sidewalk rather than against doorways or curbs.
• Know where the closet 24-hour gas station or store is, in case you need help late at night.
• Park in areas that are well traveled and will be well lighted if you should return after dark. 
• Keep purses hugged close to your body and wallets in your front pants or jacket pockets.
• Use busy, well lighted stops when utilizing the bus or metro system.
• Tell friends and family where you are going and when you expect to be back.
• If someone appears to be following you, turn in the opposite direction or cross the street.  If they continue to follow you, locate a group of people and ask for help.
• Avoid using headphones or talking on a cell phone when walking.  

Read more on The Gazette.

Related Coverage:

• Boy Evades Kidnapper Monday In Gaithersburg (April 22, 2013)