Police believe Gwinnett abduction attempts are linked

GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. —
Police in Gwinnett County believe a man is targeting kids and trying to get them into his car.

Cpl. Jake Smith said police have received four reports in a 2 ½-month period, and they believe the cases are linked.

"Black male suspect in a gold four-door passenger car has approached four different children ranging in age from eight to 14," Smith told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri.

On the morning of March 13, an 11-year-old girl told police a man chased her on Sunrise Village Lane in Norcross as she walked to her bus stop.

 A young witness told investigators the same man approached her. She said she saw him twice, both times wearing a black mask.

"I don't think there's much question in our minds that he's just up to no good and trying to conceal his identity," Smith said.

Juana Barrita lives in the Alderwood at the Lake Apartments on Sunrise Village Lane. She told Viteri the complex sent out a letter warning residents about what happened.

She said she and other parents need to make sure to walk their kids to and from the bus stop and be watchful to prevent this happening again.

The first report came on Jan. 31, a 13-year-old girl walking on Ivy Chase Lane said a man pulled up next to her and took a picture.

Then, on Feb. 16, a 14-year-old girl walking on Peachtree Corners Circle at Brandywine Trail said a man asked if she wanted a ride, and then if she wanted to make a few hundred dollars.

On Feb. 28, an 8-year-old boy in Snellville told police a man wearing a mask pulled up to him, demanded he get in the car and pulled out a gun.

"It could be he's building up his courage to do something a little bit more drastic, the suspect," Smith said. He said in each case the kids did the right thing by running away and telling an adult.

Investigators want people to contact them if they hear of any similar cases.

WSBTV