Predator attempted to abduct 10-year-old girl in Gaithersburg, police say

GAITHERSBURG, Md. - Montgomery County Police (MCP) are searching for the predator who they say tried to abduct a 10-year-old girl Sunday afternoon in Gaithersburg.

Investigators say the attempted kidnapping happened outside the Cider Mill Apartments on Lost Knife Road. 

The suspect, who authorities described as a man in his 20s, is accused of approaching the 10-year-old child then , grabbing her arm and telling her to come with him. 

Predator attempted to abduct 10-year-old girl in Gaithersburg, police say

The young girl told detectives that she believes the young man ran away after he saw officers patrolling the neighborhood. 

Rokhy Sidibe lives at the Cider Mill Apartments and says she is worried.

"This neighborhood – in general – is not really safe," Sidibe told FOX 5. "I always tell my parents that. It worries me that the kids are outside by themselves. It’s not okay that the kids can’t go out and play. That’s not okay. We live in a very messed up world. We gotta figure out a way to keep it secured for these kids."

As a result of the crime, there is now a heightened police presence. FOX 5 witnessed four cop cruisers parked as well as more driving up and down the neighborhood. 

Predator attempted to abduct 10-year-old girl in Gaithersburg, police say

Sidibe added that she's shaken up by the rise of violence in the area. What concerns her the most is the fact that young people are often involved. 

"Kids just wanna be kids, and nowadays, people get themselves into things that they’re not supposed to, but they don’t realize," she explained. "I think they’re just bored and just out here trying to feel important, but they’re going in the wrong direction and the parents are not really aware of what’s going on."

MCP says the predator is still on the run; They haven’t been caught yet. 

The suspect was last seen wearing a ski mask, black sweatshirt underneath a black jacket with black cargo pants. Detectives also mentioned he is around 5’10."

Anyone with information regarding this case or suspect is asked to call 240-773-5400 or visit the Crime Solvers of Montgomery County website at www.crimesolversmcmd.org.