Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office deputies are investigating an attempted child abduction in the Verde Valley. The suspect is still at large.
At approximately 8 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 15, deputies investigated an attempted child abduction in the 4900 block of Cochise Drive, Lake Montezuma.
Deputies spoke to a 9-year-old girl who told them she was walking to a friend’s house when a van approached her.
She stated the white van had black, red, orange, and white flames painted on the left side. The van also had orange, yellow and green circles or “bubbles” on the right side instead of a flame design.
The van stopped and the male driver rolled down the window and asked her if she wanted to play “Xbox 360” with him. When she told him she was not interested, he asked her to come into the van and play with his puppy.
She refused and started running towards her friend’s home. At that time she heard the driver say, “I’m going to get you” as he started following her in the van.
When she reached the front door of her friend’s home, he drove away.
The victim could not see the man clearly as the window he spoke through was only open 3 inches. She estimated he was 30 years old and had black hair.
The victim was walking alone and there were no other witnesses.
A broadcast alert was sent to neighboring law enforcement agencies. Detectives from the Criminal Investigations Bureau are handling the case. Extra patrols have been ongoing since the incident.
If anyone has information regarding the van and/or suspect, contact YCSO immediately at 911 or (928) 771-3260.
During business hours, the Criminal Investigations Bureau can be reached at (928) 554-8801.
To remain anonymous, callers can contact Yavapai Silent Witness at (800) 932-3232.
