Oakland Police Release Sketch of Suspect in Brief New Year's Kidnapping Near Lake Merritt

By Bay City News Service

Police today (Thursday) released a sketch of a man who attacked a 19-year-old woman near Lake Merritt in Oakland on New Year's Day.

Police said the man appeared from between two parked cars and grabbed the woman by wrapping both of his arms around her while she was walking in the 200 block of 17th Street, near Jackson Street, at about 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 1.

The suspect told the woman he had a gun and began dragging her down the sidewalk, according to police.

A short time later, the man and woman both fell to the ground, allowing the victim to run away. The man fled before police arrived, police said.

The suspect is described as a black man in his mid-20s to early 30s, standing about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall, and weighing about 180 pounds with a medium complexion.

He was wearing a gray hooded parka that covered his head, and dark pants.

e also smelled strongly of cigarettes, police said.

Oakland police and Crime Stoppers of Oakland are offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to an arrest in the case.

Anyone with information is asked to call (510) 238-3641 or the tip line at (510) 637-0298.

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Related article:

"Oakland Police Seek Suspect in Lake Merritt Area Kidnap Attempt"

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