Jan. 30 update:
Police have released photos and are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the suspected kidnapper of the Georgetown student who was forced to withdraw cash and make purchases Thursday, Jan. 26.
A news release by the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) Monday, Jan. 30 contains a YouTube link to surveillance footage showing the suspect and victim inside a jewelry store. After browsing around the display cases, the two sit down with a store representative but then leave hurriedly. The footage also contains a close-up shot of the suspect’s getaway car, a white SUV.
Jan. 27 update: (original posting time)
A Georgetown student was abducted Thursday, Jan. 26 and forced to withdraw cash and make purchases, according to police.
The victim told the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) that at approximately 3:20 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 26, he was approached by a male suspect demanding cash and forced into the suspect’s vehicle at 34th and O Streets Northwest. The victim claimed to have been driven to several ATM’s and stores throughout D.C. and Maryland to withdraw cash and make purchases, and was identified by the police report to have been seen in the 4500 and 5400 blocks of Wisconsin Avenue.
After all transactions were denied, the victim was “left behind” in a remote location as the driver left the scene, according to The Washington Post. “No weapon was used in the incident,” according to the Post.
GUPD was notified about the incident at 11:30 a.m. Friday and notified students via a public safety alert early Friday afternoon. According to the alert, police are looking for a white male in his late 30’s to 40’s, 5’9” to 6’ tall, of medium build with dark-colored hair, mustache and beard. He is reported to have worn a black suit with a black shirt, gray tie, and black shoes and driving a “light gray or silver” SUV of unknown make and model.
The victim was not injured, and GUPD and MPD will increase patrols.
[This story has been updated and may be updated again as more information becomes available.]
