The Miami Gardens Police Department is actively pursuing three men suspected of attempting to abduct a child in a residential area of northwest Miami-Dade County. This alarming incident, which has left an entire community on edge, took place on the evening of Saturday, June 28, around 8:30 p.m. The child was targeted while running in his neighborhood, located in the 1300 block of Northwest 208th Street.
According to the official report, the men called out to the child from across the street, threatening to kidnap him. One of the suspects brandished a plastic zip tie, intending to restrain the child. Demonstrating remarkable bravery, the young victim managed to push the assailant, strike him, and escape to safety at home, as reported by local media. His quick thinking prevented a potentially tragic outcome. Authorities have confirmed that the child was not injured during the incident.
“We just moved in, and the cameras weren’t working, so they couldn’t capture anything,” lamented a visibly shaken neighbor, reflecting the community’s concern. The three suspects have been described as African-American males. Two appear to be around 18 years old, while the third is estimated to be in his 30s. Police have released sketches of the two younger suspects, hoping someone might recognize them. However, a sketch of the older suspect has not yet been made available.
Community on High Alert
Greicy Sánchez, a neighborhood resident and mother of five, voiced her fears regarding her family's safety. “I have children, and it could happen to me or any other mother. It’s terrifying. If it happened to our neighbor, it could happen to our kids too,” she shared with Univision. Similarly, Zulma Arias, who lives on the same street with several children, has drastically limited her kids’ outdoor playtime since learning of the attempted abduction. “You can’t let your children play outside alone; you have to be very careful,” she remarked. “I will fight for any child that someone tries to abduct,” she added.
Another neighbor expressed a deep concern about such incidents occurring in what they hoped would be a peaceful area: “I’m 100% worried that these things are happening here where I live, where one expects tranquility and not these kinds of accidents.”
Authorities Seek Public's Assistance
The authorities have issued an urgent plea for anyone with information that could lead to identifying and locating the suspects to come forward. Individuals with relevant details are encouraged to contact Detective F. Tamayo of the Miami Gardens Police Department at 305-474-1532 or 305-474-6473. Information can also be provided anonymously via the Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers line at 305-471-TIPS (8477). The Miami Gardens Police Department has emphasized that community cooperation is vital in such cases and remains hopeful that public assistance will result in the swift apprehension of the three individuals involved.
Key Questions About the Attempted Abduction in Miami Gardens
What actions did the child take to escape the attempted abduction?
The child bravely pushed the attacker, struck him, and ran back to his home, avoiding a potentially tragic situation.
How can the public assist in apprehending the suspects?
The public can assist by providing any information they have to Detective F. Tamayo or anonymously through the Miami-Dade County Crime Stoppers line.