Suspect sought in attempt to kidnap girl, 9, at mall
Police are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect in the attempted kidnapping of a 9-year-old girl at Ala Moana Center.
Honolulu CrimeStoppers released a sketch of the suspect Tuesday afternoon.
Police said that between 6:30 and 7:30 p.m. Monday, the suspect was following the child around Lucky Strike Social, an arcade and bowling establishment in the space formerly occupied by Shirokiya on the Diamond Head side of the shopping center.
Police said the child’s nanny was with some friends while the girl was playing games in one of the arcade rooms. At some point the suspect approached her and touched her buttocks, police said.
The victim walked to another area of the arcade where he allegedly followed her into a photo booth and grabbed her.
After a brief struggle the girl managed to get away from the suspect by kicking him, police said. She ran to her baby sitter and told her what happened.
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Police said the suspect immediately left the area.
There had been no arrests as of press time.
Company representatives could not be reached for comment.
The suspect is described as 5 feet 9 inches tall, about 120 to 140 pounds and in his 30s to 50s. He was wearing a white T-shirt and khaki shorts and was carrying a black drawstring bag. Police said he had a beard and long blond hair in a ponytail or bun.
Police are working to obtain video surveillance from the establishment.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 955-8300 or *CRIME from a cellphone.