Police release sketch of man who tried to abduct 2-year-old at Miami-Dade park

MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Police are searching for a man who they said tried to abduct a two-year-old boy at a park in Miami-Dade County just over a week ago.

According to authorities, the incident happened around 12:15 p.m. on Sept. 15 at Southridge Park, located at 11250 Southwest 192nd Street.

Miami-Dade Police said the victim’s mother was at the park when she noticed a man walk toward the playground area and sit down on a bench.

“She was at the playground when she observed this individual come near the playground, and he has a seat on one of the benches,” said Miami-Dade Police Det. Argemis Colome.

Investigators said as she was walking toward her car with her son, she felt him being pulled away and when she turned around, she saw a man grabbing her son by the shoulder and pulling him away from her.

“He was sitting there for a while, and when she leaves is when she actually feels the pull,” said Colome.

The woman confronted the man, who released the child before she was able to run to her car, according to police.

“It’s disturbing, you know you have a lot of children out here,” said frequent park visitor Alexandra Cruz.

A Local 10 News crew was in the area where Fort Lauderdale police officers were passing out flyers Wednesday, alerting residents to inform them if they see the man in the area.

As a mother, I can only imagine the fear of someone trying to take your child when you’re simply just playing at the park,” said Jenesis Mena, a detective with the MIami-Dade Police Department.

Authorities have released a sketch of the man and are asking the public to take a close look. The man is described as between 5-foot-10 and 6-foot 1, weighing between 200 and 220 lbs. between 30 and 45 years old. They also said he has dark hair, dark eyes and a medium build.

Anyone with information is asked to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-8477.