Detectives search for suspect in attempted Oakland Park kidnapping

An 11-year-old boy escaped after a man in black grabbed him and tried to walk away with him.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:52am

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An extreme close-up of a small handprint on a dark surface, dramatically lit by a harsh camera flash to create a stark, gritty investigative aesthetic, conceptually representing the trauma of an attempted child kidnapping.A chilling reminder of the vulnerability of children and the urgent need for vigilance in the face of attempted abductions.Oakland Park Today

Detectives with the Broward Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit are asking for the public's help to identify and locate a man who attempted to kidnap an 11-year-old boy on Sunday evening in Oakland Park, Florida. The victim told investigators the suspect, dressed in all black, placed his hand over the boy's mouth and grabbed him, then walked with the child before the boy was able to escape.

Why it matters

Attempted child kidnappings are deeply concerning incidents that can traumatize victims and raise community fears about public safety, especially in residential neighborhoods. Law enforcement is actively searching for the suspect to prevent any further incidents and ensure the community's wellbeing.

The details

According to investigators, the incident happened around 5:12 p.m. near the 4100 block of Northwest 21st Avenue in Oakland Park. The suspect was last seen riding a purple bike after the 11-year-old boy was able to escape.

  • The incident occurred around 5:12 p.m. on Sunday, April 13, 2026.

The players

Broward Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit

The law enforcement agency investigating the attempted kidnapping and searching for the suspect.

Eric Wilson

A detective with the Broward Sheriff's Office Special Victims Unit who is asking the public for information about the incident.

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What’s next

Detectives are actively searching for the suspect and urging anyone with information about the attempted kidnapping to come forward to help identify and locate the individual.

The takeaway

This attempted child abduction is a disturbing incident that highlights the importance of community vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement to ensure the safety of all residents, especially the most vulnerable. Parents and guardians should remain alert and report any suspicious activity to the authorities immediately.