Police link car to attempted kidnapper

Juneau police have linked a vehicle to an unidentified man who allegedly tried to kidnap a pregnant woman getting into a car with her 4-year-old child last month in the Mendenhall Valley.

Police said the suspect may be driving a dark green 1990s model Ford Explorer.

The man is believed to have held a 32-year-old Juneau woman at gunpoint March 2 in the 1900 block of Dunn Street, according to a news release.

The woman, who wishes to remain unnamed, told the Empire Monday that on that day, she had just walked out of a hair salon with her 4-year-old daughter who had just received her first haircut. The man then approached them.

The woman fought off her attacker, despite him holding her in a bear hug. But he pistol whipped her, and she was briefly knocked unconscious. When she awoke, she called police.

“I have no idea who this person is and why he tried to attack a woman who is very vulnerable,” the woman said in an interview, referring to her pregnancy.

Police said previously that the woman only sustained a non-life threatening injury to her face. Her 4-year-old daughter was unharmed.

On Monday, JPD highlighted the incident as its “Crime of the Week” to generate new tips.

Police said the same woman reported a trespass at her home Feb. 24 in the 4000 block of Delta Drive and the trespasser may be the same suspect in the attempted kidnapping. The trespassing incident ended with the woman’s 30-year-old husband facing a gunman in the couple’s backyard before police were called.

In both instances, the suspect was described as being between 5’7” and 5’9” tall, having a skinny build, a dark complexion and large dark brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a black hoodie and a black ski mask with white around the mouth.

Tipsters can call JPD at 586-0600 or report a tip online at juneaucrimeline.com. Tipsters are guaranteed anonymity and can be rewarded up to $1,000.

The investigation is ongoing.

• Contact reporter Paula Ann Solis at 523-2272 or paula.solis@juneauempire.com.

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