Crime Alert: Attempted Kidnapping Near 36th and Zenith

Editor's Note: The following information was taken from a Monday crime alert for Linden Hills and chain of lakes area residents.

A 13-year-old girl was almost taken by three males near the 3600 block of Zenith Avenue Sunday.

According to a Minneapolis Police Department release, the young victim was riding her bike around 2:25 p.m. on May 5 near 36th Street and Zenith Avenue when she was approached by three males. One of the suspects grabbed her by the wrist and said they would hurt her if she made any noise. The victim screamed and the suspects looked at one another and fled northbound on foot.

It's unknown if a vehicle was parked nearby. There have been no similar incident reported, according to police.

The suspects were described as follows:

Suspect No. 1: White male, 30-45 years old, muscular build and brown hair; desribed as similar to a wrestler.

Suspect No. 2: White male, 30-45 years old, blond hair in a "buzz" cut.

Suspect No. 3: White male and 30-45 years old; no further description.

There were also no clothing descriptions. If you have any information on this incident, please call Sgt. Wallerich at 612-673-2864. If you see anyone matching these descriptions or any other suspicious activity, call 911.

Police also gave the following tips for keeping children safe.

Things to Keep Your Children Safe:

1. Teach your child(ren) your address and phone number, including the area code. Instruct your child(ren) on how to use the telephone to call home, and in an emergency, 911.

2. Keep an updated file on your child, including a photograph and physical description. If your child is under two years of age, you should update the information at least four times each year.

3. Pay close attention to the clothing your child is wearing each day and never display your child's name on his/or clothes or books. Children will often respond to strangers who call them by name.

4. Make sure your child knows what to do should you become separated in a public place. Your child should immediately make a report to a facility employee and should not attempt to search for you.

5. Select a secret code word that only you and your child know. Tell your child never to go with anyone who does not know this code.

6. Keep a set of your child's footprints, fingerprints and dental records.

7. Leave instructions with your child's school to notify you immediately if he/she is absent and provide them with written information on which people are authorized to pick your child up after school.

8. Educate your children on the many tactics used by abductors to lure them away. Teach them to immediately leave the area if a stranger is present. If your child is grabbed, instruct your child to yell "fire" (or "stranger") People are more likely to respond to those shouts than to cries of "help."

9. Survey the recreation and school routes your child uses. Point out any dangerous areas such as vacant lots, alleyways, busy streets, etc. Teach your child what to do should he/she be followed.

10. Join or organize a "safe home" program with your neighbors to establish secure homes where your children can go for help.

Patch will update readers as more information becomes available.

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