Composite Sketch Targets Suspected Kidnapper

LEXINGTON, S.C. (WOLO) — Lexington County authorities hope the more a composite sketch is seen, the better their chances of catching the person its depicts, as they search for a suspected kidnapper. Lexington County Sheriff James Metts claims the suspect’s attempts to abduct at least three girls from a Lexington County mobile home park near West Columbia are serious enough warrant an active search. He says he knows what can happen during an actual abduction. “We know from experience, someone is abducted outcome won’t be favorable,” said Metts. “They (suspects) usually pick up girls for personal sexual gratification or enslaving them into sexual activities.” One of reported victims is a 9-year-old girl. Authorities say a man in a car approached the girl, got out and tried to put her in the car. One of the girl’s friends began screaming for help. The suspect let go of the girl, got back in his car and drove away. The suspect reportedly approached two 13-year-olds, prior to that incident, and asked them to get in the car but they refused. The vehicle 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. If you have any information, call Crimestoppers and 1-888-CRIME-SC.