Police need help finding suspect accused of trying to sexually assault, kidnap child at east Austin apartment complex
AUSTIN (KXAN) — Austin police are asking for the public’s help to find a suspect who they say tried to sexually assault and kidnap a child at an apartment complex on Jan. 30.
According to the Austin Police Department, the incident happened in on East Martin Luther King Boulevard near Airport Boulevard. Police are not yet giving the exact location of the crime, in order to protect the victim’s privacy.
In a briefing on Tuesday afternoon, Det. Raul Carrillo said a mid-20s black male between 6’2″ and 6’5″ tried to sexually assault and kidnap a six-year-old child. Police say witnesses said the man was “well-groomed,” and it didn’t appear that he was homeless.
The crime happened in a common area of the complex and the child’s parents were nearby. Carrillo says the parents, however, did nothing wrong.
A neighbor and witness provided a cell phone picture to police.
On Jan. 31, the apartment complex sent out a letter to residents making them aware of the incident and be observant of their surroundings.
The complex wrote, in part:
“We recommend that you get to the point where you recognize and know who your neighbors are. Always lock your apartment door whenever you are inside your apartment and whenever you leave your apartment. Always keep your windows or screens securely latched. If you have occasion to walk outside your apartment at night, walk with at least one other person.”
If you have any information, you’re asked to call the Crime Crime Stoppers tip Line at (512) 472-8477, the APD Child Abuse Unit at (512) 974-6880 or 911.