Police release sketch of suspect in attempted child abduction

After numerous witness interviews with adults and children, Boulder police have revised the suspect description from the reported attempted child abduction incident that happened earlier this week near 9^th Street and Mapleton.  Shortly after 3:00 p.m. on May 23, three elementary school aged boys were getting off a school bus and were approached by a black male who asked them to go to Denver with him. The boys said the man grabbed one of them by the arm, but the boy was able to free himself and the boys ran away.

Initially it was reported that the male had shoulder-length dreadlocks. After further investigation, detectives have determined that the man has close-cut dark hair, not dreadlocks. The attached sketch has been confirmed by two adult witnesses.

The man was wearing a yellow/blue/gray striped shirt, black pants and black athletic shoes. Updated vehicle information indicates that the suspect may be driving a green Jeep with a black top.

On Monday, May 23, at approximately 3:10 p.m., as three elementary school aged boys were getting off their school bus in the area of 9th Street and Mapleton Avenue, they were approached by a suspicious black male. The male began walking behind them andattempted to engage the boys in conversation. The boys ignored the male and continued walking southbound on 9th Street. The male persisted in engaging the boys in conversation and tried to entice them to go with him to Denver by asking them to have a cheeseburger with him. At one point, the male grabbed one of the boys by his arm. The boy was able to struggle free and the boys ran to 9th and Pearl streets. They looked back and noticed the male had entered a green Jeep with a brown top. The Jeep is possibly a Wrangler.

None of the boys was hurt during this incident.

The suspect is described as a black male with shoulder-length dreadlocks. He was wearing a yellow/blue/gray striped shirt, black pants and dirty, black shoes. The male spoke with some type of accent.

Boulder police have notified the Boulder Valley School District officials and security. In addition, the police will be providing extra patrols at the schools and the surrounding areas.

Investigators are seeking the public’s help in identifying the suspect and/or his vehicle.

The report number for this incident is 11-6376.

Anyone with information about this crime is asked to call Detective Ruth Christopher of the Boulder Police Department at 303.441.1850. Those who have information but wish to remain anonymous may contact the Northern Colorado Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or 1-800-444-3776. Tips can also be submitted via the Crime Stoppers website at www.crimeshurt.com. Those submitting tips through Crime Stoppers that lead to the arrest and filing of charges on a suspect(s) may be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000 from Crime Stoppers.