Full Notification

On October 6^th, 2015 Kern County Sheriff’s detectives began investigating a report of a possible attempt kidnapping which had occurred at American Kids Sports Center in west Bakersfield.

Throughout the four day investigation detectives followed up on numerous tips provided by the community.

On October 9^th, detectives were able to positively identify the subject involved in the incident. Detectives determined the subject was a fifteen year old male who had been at the sports center with family members that evening. Detectives learned the subject had mistaken the five year old female for his four year old sister when he had taken hold of her arm to lead her down the stairway. The incident was a misunderstanding.

Detectives have concluded the investigation and determined there was no criminal intent. The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank community members who provided information, as well as staff at American Kids Sports Center for their assistance with this investigation.

*ORIGINAL NEWS RELEASE*

Suspicious Circumstances/Possible Attempt Kidnapping

On October 6^th, 2015 at about 5:32 pm Kern County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a possible kidnapping attempt at American Kids Sports Center at 3622 Allen Rd. in west Bakersfield.

When deputies arrived they learned that a subject had possibly attempted to walk a five year old female out of the business but was stopped by the five year olds mother. The subject was described as a Hispanic male, about 19 years old, 5’10”, heavy build, with short wavy black hair and a round face. The subject was wearing a royal blue t-shirt tucked into shorts which were possibly black in color.

Deputies spoke to the mother of the five year old. She said while standing in an upstairs waiting area she observed her five year old daughter being led down a stairway by the subject, who had ahold of her arm. The mother approached and told the subject that was her daughter, at which point the subject let go of the five year olds arms and continued down the stairway.

The mother said she initially believed the subject may be an employee or a relative of one of the children attending classes. A short time later she looked around the business but did not locate the subject. She reported the incident to staff at the business, however the subject did not match the description of any staff members. The business then reported the incident.

Due to the nature of the incident, detectives from the Sheriff’s Office Sexual Assault Abuse Investigation Unit have assumed the investigation. If anyone has information on this case they are asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 661-861-3110 or Secret Witness at 661-322-4040.