RICHLAND COUNTY, S.C. — The Richland County Sheriff's Department is looking for someone who allegedly attempted to kidnap a minor on Saturday night. The child's mother said she didn't want to go on camera in order to protect her daughter's identity but shared details.
The sheriff's department said deputies went to the 200 block of Baysdale Drive in reference to the attempted kidnapping of a minor. Authorities said they met with the victim and family, who told them that the unknown suspect attempted to grab the minor.
The mother said it happened at home as her daughter was playing outside. She said a stranger tried to take the child from their home. Mom said the girl asked her father to get her trampoline from the backyard.
She said that’s when a man with facial hair, dressed in all black, a hoodie, and gloves, tried to grab the girl. The mother said the man looked like he was selling something. According to the sheriff's department, the girl was able to run away uninjured.
Amanda and C.J. Coker live a few houses down.
“As for anybody getting kidnapped; no, never would’ve thought someone would try to do that - especially here," one said.
The sheriff's department advised the community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhood by calling 911. Tipsters can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-888-CRIME-SC or visit CrimeSC.com.