Police presence increased after attempted kidnapping

Friday, February 7, 2020
DAR File Photo

Poplar Bluff officials have increased police presence in south side after an attempted kidnapping that has generated few leads.

Additional marked and unmarked patrol cars have been dispatched in the past week to the area near the 400 block of Midland Street.

An unidentified male attempted to grab a 10-year-old girl at approximately 6:45 a.m. Tuesday in that area while she was waiting to board a school bus, said Capt. J.R. Keirsey.

The girl was able to get away and knocked on doors of homes in the area until she got the attention of a neighbor, who took the child home, said Keirsey.

“(The girl) said she observed a black male wearing all black running in her direction,” said Keirsey. “At first, she didn’t think much of it, because it was raining so hard.

“Once he got closer, she realized he was running toward her. He grabbed her and put his hand over her mouth.

“She was able to get away and ran and beat on doors for help.”

The girl was only able to provide a brief description, of a black male wearing a hooded sweatshirt.

Police canvassed the area, speaking to neighbors, and have sought out video surveillance at nearby businesses.

“Another independent witness said that she observed what she thought was two children fighting, (after) she heard yelling,” said Keirsey. “She observed the male run in the opposite direction of the female, and gave a similar description of black male in a hooded sweatshirt.”

The department has increased patrol in the area, particularly before and after school.

“We also deployed some unmarked units doing some observations in the area,” he said.

Anyone with information should contact the police department at 573-785-5776.

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