Full Notification

The Berkeley Police Department is investigating a possible attempted Child Abduction which occurred on 3/14/16 at approximately 8:00am. 

A 9 year old elementary school student was walking on the 2900 block of Harper St. on her way to the Malcolm X Elementary School when she reported seeing a green minivan pull into a driveway in front of her.  The student reported that as she passed the van a man emerged from the front passenger seat who she described as a Hispanic male in his late 20’s, 5-09, thin build with dark straight hair.  She later stated to police that she felt as though she was being followed so she looked back and saw the van’s passenger walking right behind her.  She then felt a “push” on her backpack which caused her to stumble so she ran.  The student safely made it to school.  Later that evening she reported what transpired to her mother.  They notified the school the following day.  The driver of the van is described as a black male adult, 20’s possibly older, with shoulder length dreadlocks.

It remains unclear if the incident relates to a series of attempted abductions from the fall of 2015 which involved a green minivan.  The Berkeley Police Department takes the safety and security of its children very seriously and Detectives are canvassing the neighborhood looking for potential witnesses or similar vehicles.  The community is encouraged to be on the lookout for suspicious behavior as well as to contact the Berkeley Police Department at (510) 981-5900 if they have witnessed this event or have additional information.