Attempted child abduction at Willow Grove Park Mall, police searching for two suspects

The Abington Township Police Department released the details of an attempted child abduction at approximately 7:00pm on Wednesday, July 12 at Willow Grove Park Mall’s first level escalator.

According to the press release, an adult male identifying as “Alex” asked a 14-year-old female to accompany him. After her refusal, the suspect grabbed her arm and restrained her “as he led her across the mall.”

From the Department’s Facebook post:

After some time, the juvenile was able to escape from the male’s grasp, screamed and fled from the male. Several bystanders witnessed this altercation and stepped in to prevent the male from approaching the juvenile.

Further investigation revealed that this male appeared to be working in concert with a second male. These males left the mall immediately after the juvenile fled. These males are seen entering a dark gray Dodge/Chrysler minivan or “crossover” type vehicle, possibly a Dodge Journey.

The first male (“Alex”) is described as a black male, medium complexion, goatee, 25-40 years of age, with short black braids, white shirt, with a large dark letter “C” on the back, light-colored pants with a dark stripe, dark-colored shoes with a red marking on the inside toe of each shoe and light-colored laces. This male also wore a unique leather bracelet with braided metal knot on his left wrist.

Actor 2 is described as a black male, medium complexion, thick facial hair, dark blue t-shirt, blue jean shorts, white and black sneakers. Sunglasses in t-shirt collar, lanyard around neck, and keys hanging from front right pocket.


Anyone recognizing these males is asked to contact Abington Police at 267-536-1100 option #2.

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Photos courtesy of Abington Township Police Department