Boy nearly kidnapped from Winter Park home

9-year-old boy found in street outside home

WINTER PARK, Fla. – Police on Wednesday say they have received several tips since releasing a composite sketch of a man wanted in an attempted kidnapping of a 9-year-old boy from his Winter Park home.

The incident happened Tuesday night in the area of Rouen Avenue and Drum Street.

Investigators would not release details about the alleged incident, including how the assailant entered the home, but said they believe the boy's story. 

Police say the boy's parents found him in the street after he was able to escape. 

Local 6 spoke to a neighbor who saw the family being reunited.

"I did hear blood-curdling screams and I could hear somebody was in distress. Somebody was screaming for help," said Sherri Tyson, who described her neighborhood as quiet.  "By the time I came down to my driveway, neighbors had already gathered and I realized quickly it was about a missing boy, but the boy was being reunited with his family, at that moment, so I felt like everything was OK."

Parents in the neighborhood said they're now very concerned.

"I'm scared, honestly. I'm scared for my children. I hope they catch the guy or I hope that it's not true. One or the other," said Cecelia Neely, who's lived in the neighborhood her entire life.

Neighbors have been sharing the incident on Facebook, and some say they recognize the face on the sketch.

The boy described the suspected kidnapper as a black man with a thin build, light-colored eyes and short, black hair.  He was wearing black clothing.

Anyone with information regarding the crime should contact either Crimeline at 407-423-TIPS or the Winter Park Police Department at 407-644-1313.


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