Public Safety

Police investigate report of attempted child abduction near 37th Street in Niceville

Police seek surveillance footage after a juvenile reportedly escaped from a suspect who grabbed his arm and tried forcing him into navy-blue SUV.

Ashley Ward

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The Niceville Police Department is investigating an alleged attempted child abduction that occurred Tuesday in the vicinity of 37th Street.

A juvenile was reportedly walking home when an unidentified white male driving a navy-blue SUV or minivan allegedly approached and offered him a ride home, according to police.

When the juvenile refused, the suspect allegedly exited the vehicle, grabbed him by the arm and attempted to force him inside.

The juvenile reported breaking free and fleeing the scene. The suspect then allegedly returned to his vehicle and was last seen driving east on 37th Street before turning right onto Juniper Avenue.

Law enforcement personnel reviewed surveillance footage from the area, but none of the cameras captured the relevant portions of the roadway.

Investigators are asking residents near Juniper Avenue to check their security camera systems. Police are seeking footage from the southbound side of Juniper Avenue between 10:15 a.m. and 11:00 a.m., particularly any video that may show a navy-blue SUV or minivan passing through.

Anyone with information or video evidence is urged to contact Detective Carlos Poveda at 850-729-4030 or cpoveda@nicevillefl.gov.

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