GRANDVIEW HEIGHTS, Ohio — The Grandview Heights Division of Police is searching for a man accused of trying to abduct a woman on Wednesday.
A woman said she was walking home from an event around 9:30 p.m. when someone in a mask approached her on Baldwin Drive near Yard and Rail streets.
“As I was trying to walk home from that event, a guy tried grabbing the back of my jacket and pulled me. He was like ‘You need to get in the car’,” said the woman in the 911 call.
The woman got away from the man after seeing another woman nearby. The 911 caller said the man was talking low, trying not to bring attention to what he was trying to do.
“He threatened me too. When I was breaking away from him and told him to get away from me, he was like ‘If you talk to that woman, I'll hurt her too’ and I was like ‘I don’t understand what is going on here,” said the woman.
Grandview police are searching for the suspect who is believed to be in a gold Chevrolet Cruze. Police said the suspect is about 5 feet, 10 inches tall, weights 190 pounds and has dark hair.
Alexis Reynolds, who lives nearby where the attempted abduction happened, said she is now worried about walking around her neighborhood.
“As a young woman, I was very unsettled. Especially since I found out through social media and didn’t really know. It gets dark early now. So I didn’t leave my apartment (Thursday night), I stayed in, and didn’t go the gym,” said Reynolds.
Reynolds said she never worried about her safety in the past, especially since the area is always so busy.
“There’s a popular restaurant nearby. Lots of people coming and going. I was surprised to see that happen, especially during that time of a weekday,” said Reynolds. “I hope to see an increase in police presence. I don’t find this neighborhood unsafe, but it would be nice to have at least someone patrolling the area."
Michael Coyle and Keegan Lind work at the building right next to where the attempted abduction happened.
“I’ve never had a concern. We have company events at the Hofbrauhaus later at night, or after dark. It’s never really a concern about walking to the car,” said Lind.
Coyle said they will be more aware.
“The email sent out (to all staff) said male co-workers should assist female co-workers walking to their car after work,” said Coyle. “It’s scary its happening in our backyard, where we work."
Grandview police declined an interview on Friday. The police department said they will talk about the incident on Monday at 9 a.m.
They sent the tips below for safety:
- Be aware of your surroundings
- Avoid walking alone at night when possible
- If you must walk alone, call a family member or friend to talk with while traveling to your destination
- Walk in well-lit areas
- Report any suspicious behavior by immediately calling 911