Police release sketch of kidnapping suspect
By By Marianne Todd/The Meridian Star
Aug. 16, 2001
Meridian police have developed a more accurate description of a man they say attempted to kidnap an 8-year-old girl Tuesday morning as she walked to school.
Investigators released a composite sketch of the suspect Wednesday afternoon, after the girl came to the department for an interview.
Lt. Wade Johnson of the Meridian Police Department said the girl's initial description might have contained some inaccuracies because "she was still pretty shaken at the time."
Using a computer animation program, police were able to create facial features, height and weight. The suspect was originally described as having a light complexion, and having a car with a gray interior, Johnson said.
Police are now searching for a black man with a dark complexion, 5 feet 6 inches to 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighing 155 to 185 pounds. At the time of the attempted abduction, the girl described the man as wearing a light green shirt and skull cap and driving a small gray car with a faded hood and a black and white interior with a zigzag design on the seats.
So far, police have not been able to locate anyone matching the description.
Johnson said the attempted kidnapping occurred at the intersection of 38th Avenue and 15th Street when a man pulled alongside the girl, got out and forced her into the car at knifepoint.
The girl used her umbrella to "jab" to man and force her way out of the car. She then ran 31/2 blocks home, where her mother called police.
Residents with information can call CrimeStoppers at 485-1860.
Marianne Todd is a staff writer for the Meridian Star. Call her at 693-1551, ext. 3226, or e-mail her at mtodd@themeridianstar.com.