Attempted kidnapping reported at North Lido Beach Park

An attempted kidnapping at Lido Beach is under investigation by the Sarasota Police Department. On Sunday, April 2, a woman reported a man attempted to abduct her just west of North Lido Beach Park while walking on the beach near Emerson Drive. 

The victim, a 51-year-old woman, told officers she parked a rental car in the parking lot of North Lido Beach Park around 9:30 p.m. and proceeded to walk north on the beach while talking with a friend on the phone. When she turned around to head south, she saw a man approach her. She said he then put a towel over her head from behind.

The victim was able to escape with minor injuries. The suspect is described as a dark-skinned man about 6 feet tall, athletic build, tight curly hair who was last seen wearing all-black clothing and had an accent. 

According to SPD, there will be an increase of police officers patrolling the area. Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Det. Steven Fergus at 941-263-6059 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 941-366-TIPS or online at SarasotaCrimeStoppers.com.

For those who will be in an area where they might be alone or it’s dark, SPD offers the following safety tips:

• Let someone know where you’re traveling or working out.
• Take your cellphone.
• Be with a friend or a dog, if possible.
• Avoid using noise-canceling headphones or listening to loud music.
• Change your routes, and times you travel to a location.