UNION CITY, Calif. — Authorities in Union City are asking for the public’s help identifying a man suspected of attempting to kidnap an 11-year-old girl as she rode her scooter to school last week. The frightening encounter, which police say happened on the morning of Wednesday, October 22, has sparked renewed concern among parents and residents in the quiet East Bay community.
According to the Union City Police Department (UCPD), the incident occurred near Dyer Street and Meteor Drive, just blocks from Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School. Investigators say the suspect grabbed the girl by the hood of her sweater as she rode past but fled after she managed to break free and seek help. She was not physically injured and immediately reported the incident to school staff, who contacted police.
The suspect is described as a heavyset male, about six feet tall, with dark tan skin and dark brown, medium-length hair. Detectives noted that he has vertical scars and tattoos on both index fingers, running from the third to second knuckle. Witnesses reported that the man may have been speaking in another language during the incident.
Police believe the suspect may be linked to a dark-colored sedan with non-tinted windows, rosary beads hanging from the rearview mirror, and visible rear-end damage. It remains unclear whether the suspect was trying to pull the girl into the vehicle or had been driving it before the encounter.
Union City police released a composite sketch of the man on Tuesday, urging anyone who recognizes him or the described vehicle to contact Detective J. Ferguson at 510-675-5259. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the department’s tip line.
The case has rattled parents and educators in the area, prompting reminders for children to walk or ride to school in groups and remain aware of their surroundings. “We’re relieved she’s safe, but this is a wake-up call for the community,” said a parent near Itliong-Vera Cruz Middle School.
Child safety experts emphasize that attempted abductions are rare but deeply traumatic, and early reporting—like in this case—often plays a key role in helping police track suspects quickly.
As of Wednesday, the investigation remains active, with officers increasing patrols around nearby schools and residential zones.
