A suspect described by witnesses as a "Justin Bieber lookalike" remained at large Saturday after allegedly attempting to snatch a woman off a California street in broad daylight, authorities said.
Background
The incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. Friday near Jackson Street and Soto Road in Hayward, according to the Hayward Police Department. Officers were flagged down following reports of an attempted kidnapping in progress. The victim was walking north on Soto Road when she encountered a man traveling in the opposite direction.
The Investigation
Police said the suspect allegedly grabbed the woman without warning and dragged her approximately 15 to 20 feet before she could break free. The victim screamed and fought back during the struggle, officials stated. Two bystanders intervened, causing the suspect to release his grip on the woman and flee the scene before he could complete the alleged abduction.
The man was last seen running along Soto Road toward Jackson Street, according to investigators. Officers have described the suspect as a white or Hispanic man approximately 5-foot-7 and weighing around 120 pounds, with bushy hair, thin eyebrows, and distinctive-colored eyes. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a white T-shirt splattered with red paint, black pants, and a black crossbody bag.
Witnesses who observed the encounter told investigators that the suspect resembled pop star Justin Bieber—a description police included in their public appeal for information. The victim sustained no physical injuries during the alleged attack.
Hayward Police are asking anyone with information about the suspect or his whereabouts to contact the department's tip line at 510-293-7176.
Key Takeaways
- Incident occurred around 3:15 p.m. Friday near Jackson Street and Soto Road in Hayward, California
- Suspect allegedly grabbed victim and dragged her 15-20 feet before bystanders intervened
- Victim was not physically injured during the alleged attempted kidnapping
- Suspect described as white or Hispanic man, 5-foot-7, 120 pounds with bushy hair and thin eyebrows
- Witnesses compared suspect's appearance to pop star Justin Bieber
- Police are searching for the suspect; anyone with information should contact Hayward PD at 510-293-7176
What's Next
Hayward police continue their search for the unidentified suspect. No arrests have been made as of Saturday evening. Investigators are reviewing any available surveillance footage from the area and urging community members who may have witnessed the incident or seen a man matching the description to come forward.