Mother Recounts Daughter’s Near Kidnapping

WEST COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) — As Lexington County authorities continue their search for a man suspected of nearly abducting a young girl, the mother of the child speaks out for the first time since the incident. It’s something parents fear the most. A stranger pulls up and tries to take your child. In this case, Lexington County authorities say it was a 9-year-old girl. “He got out of the car, opened the door to get close to her,” says mother, Gloria. “She was crying and crying. She didn’t know what to do in that moment. She was nervous and her friend came to her rescue. She was behind her and started screaming.” Deputies say those screams by a friend helped save the girl from a would-be kidnapper. According to police, a White or light-complexioned Hispanic man attempted to abduct the child near her home in the Rolling Meadows Mobile Home Park off Charleston Highway near West Columbia around 7:30pm Friday, January 10. But when the suspect heard the screams, deputies say he let go of the girl, got back in his car and drove away. Minutes prior to that incident the driver, who is described as nearly 6ft. tall, 160-170 pounds, with eyeglasses and uncleanly shaven, reportedly approached two 13-year-olds who refused to get in his car. In addition to the description of the suspect, authorities are really focusing on the description of the vehicle. Lexington County Sheriff James Metts says the car is a four door older model sedan, gray or blue in color…chipped or faded paint. The front driver’s side window has tape on it possibly indicating the window is damaged. Metts believes the car could lead them to the driver. While authorities look for the suspect, Gloria is looking out more for the safety of her children.