NEW YORK CITY — A routine trip through an Upper Manhattan subway station turned into a frightening encounter for a mother and her 6-year-old daughter after police say a stranger suddenly tried to take the child.
The incident happened around 12:30 p.m. on July 29 at the Inwood–207th Street subway station, according to the NYPD.
Investigators said the woman approached the young girl and her mother from behind before allegedly grabbing the child and attempting to bring her onto a train.
The mother quickly realized what was happening and stepped in to stop the woman, according to police and law enforcement sources.
The suspect then abandoned the attempt and fled the station area by boarding a southbound A train alone.
Mother Stops Alleged Kidnapping Attempt
According to authorities, the suspect’s plan was interrupted when the girl’s mother intervened.
The encounter reportedly unfolded quickly, with the woman allegedly grabbing the child and attempting to take her toward the train.
The mother was able to prevent the girl from being taken. The child was subsequently evaluated by EMS personnel at the scene.
While the girl was not reported to have been taken away from her mother, the incident has prompted an investigation into who the woman was and what she intended to do.
The NYPD continues to seek information that could help investigators identify her.
Police Release Images of Mystery Woman
More than two months after the reported incident, the woman remains at large, according to police.
The NYPD has released photographs showing the suspect near the station’s turnstiles in hopes that someone will recognize her.
Police described her as wearing large dark sunglasses, a light blue oversized bucket-style hat, a black-and-white patterned shirt and black pants.
The clothing and accessories may have been intended to obscure her appearance, but investigators are hoping someone familiar with the neighborhood or subway system can identify her.
Authorities have not publicly identified a motive for the alleged attempted abduction.
Suspect Fled on Southbound A Train
After the mother stopped the alleged attempt, police said the woman left the scene on a southbound A train.
The fact that the suspect was able to leave the station before being identified has made the public’s assistance especially important to investigators.
Authorities are asking anyone who may have seen the incident, recognized the woman or has information about her whereabouts to contact the NYPD.
Investigators are also encouraging anyone who may have additional information about what happened at the station that afternoon to come forward.
NYPD Asks Public for Help
The search remains ongoing as police work to identify the woman seen in the released images.
Anyone with information about the suspect or her whereabouts is asked to contact the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477).
Spanish-speaking callers can contact 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).Tips can also help investigators piece together what happened before and after the encounter and determine whether the suspect may have been involved in any other incidents.
For the young girl’s family, what should have been an ordinary afternoon at a subway station became a frightening experience in a matter of moments.
The mother was able to intervene before her daughter was taken onto the train, but the woman accused of attempting to grab the child has not yet been located.
Until investigators identify her, authorities are relying on witnesses and members of the public who may recognize her appearance or know something about the incident.
Do you think more subway security measures are needed to protect children and families? Share your thoughts in the comments.