Suspect's Sketch Released in Attempted Kidnapping of 11-Year Old in Imperial Beach

Law enforcement officials are searching for a man with a third eye tattooed on his forehead in an attempted kidnapping reported Wednesday in Imperial Beach.

According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Department (SDSO), the incident occurred on 13th Street and Fern Avenue between 5 and 5:45 p.m. A pickup truck pulled up next to the 11-year old, who had been riding a scooter, and a man sitting in the passenger seat got out and attempted to grab the child.

The child was able to escape to a relative who lived nearby.  

SDSO released a sketch of the suspect on Thursday. He is described to be have salt and pepper hair and a mustache, about 5-feet 11-inches tall and weighing around 180 pounds. He also has a number of tattoos, including an eyeball on his forehead and a skull on his neck. 

Patti Wringel lives in the area and said the tattoos are so unique, someone would recognize the suspect.

She said she will be paying more attention to her surroundings in an effort to protect her grandchildren.

“I think we’ve become too lax and we think we’re safe again and we stop being as vigilant as we used to be,” she said. “We just need to remember it can happen anywhere to anybody.”

The suspect was riding in Royal Blue, lifted, Ford F250 pickup. SDSO says the truck appeared to be a newer model, probably 2015 or 2016. At this time, the identity of the pickup truck driver is unkown. 

The child was not hurt, SDSO said.

Anyone who has information or recognizes the suspect can call SDSO at (858)974-5200.

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