Police Asking for Help Identifying Suspect Who Allegedly Tried To Kidnap Woman

Information submitted by Berkeley Police—

Last Friday at about 10:20 p.m., a 23-year-old Berkeley woman was walking home along San Pablo Avenue from Solano Avenue in Albany. The woman became aware of a man who appeared to be following her.

She changed her route a number of times, and the man changed his route each time along with her, continuing to walk behind her. The woman pulled out her cell phone to call for help, and the suspect suddenly grabbed her and forced her off the sidewalk, down a driveway on the 1200  block of San Pablo Avenue.

The woman clutched her purse and screamed for help. The man grabbed her around her waist and spoke to her in Spanish. A passing motorist saw the woman in  distress, stopped, and honked their car horn. The suspect released the woman and fled north on San Pablo Avenue. 

The suspect in this case is described as a Hispanic male, 23-25 years old, 5’05” to 5’07”, thin build, thin facial hair, wearing a white and red San Francisco 49ers baseball-style cap, black hooded  sweatshirt, blue jeans and black and red tennis shoes. 

BPD is urging anyone who believes they may have had an  encounter with this suspect—or who knows anyone who may have  had an encounter with this suspect—to contact BPD Sex Crimes Det. Melissa Kelly, at (510) 981-5735.

If a caller wishes to remain  anonymous he/she can call the Bay Area Crime Stoppers Tip  Line, at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).