MANHATTAN– Law enforcement authorities in Riley County are investigating an alleged kidnapping.
Just before 11:30 p.m. on Thursday, police in Manhattan received an emergency call about a woman who had been dragged by her vehicle after attempting to flee an attacker who was not known to her.
Police responded to the 500 block of Richards Drive in Manhattan and found that several bystanders were assisting a 19-year-old woman who had received non-life threatening injuries. She was treated and released, however, the injuries were significant. This victim’s personal information has been withheld due to the nature of this crime.
Officers found that sometime after 11:00 p.m. the woman was approached by an unknown hispanic male while she attempted to start her car while in a parking lot on Richards Drive.
This suspect took her mobile phone and forced her to move to the passenger seat of her vehicle. The man then sat in the driver’s seat and began to drive out of the parking lot, according to police.
At that time the 19-year-old victim attempted to flee her vehicle, however, was unable to completely exit through the passenger side door and fell to the ground while a portion of her body was still inside. She was dragged for approximately 800 feet while the male suspect traveled south on Richards Drive and then west onto Fort Riley Blvd. when she was able to free herself. Bystanders then tended to her and contacted police. The suspect fled the scene and law enforcement later recovered the vehicle in the Redbud Estates neighborhood.
The Riley County Police Department is currently seeking information on the unknown heavyset hispanic male suspect who is said to stand between 5 feet 6 inches and 5 feet 10 inches. He has a medium accent and possible facial hair. This suspect was last seen wearing a maroon shirt with black shorts and thick black framed glasses. He was wearing black shoes and a baseball cap (white front and a black back) at the time of this crime.
If you have information about this suspect or this investigation please contact the Riley County Police Department or the Manhattan Riley County Crime Stoppers. Those using the crime stoppers service can become eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.00 while remaining anonymous.
RCPD encourages the community not to apprehend this suspect as he may be considered dangerous and potentially violent. To report suspicious activity please contact RCPD at 785-537-2112 or 911 in an emergency.