Kitsap County neighborhood on alert after attempted kidnapping



PORT ORCHARD, Wash. – A Kitsap County neighborhood is on alert after a police said a woman managed to fight off a stranger who tried to kidnap her.

The incident has left some neighbors in the area concerned for their safety.

“It’s really shocking that it happened on this street,” said neighbor Heather Keet.

“Extremely scary,” said neighbor Maria Sommers, “Maybe I’ll carry a stick.”

Deputies said the 28-year-old woman told investigators she was walking along the 1500 block of NE Cedar Road about 4 p.m. Sunday when a man in a truck pulled over and then tried to grab her.

Deputies said the woman then ran away, and then the driver took off.

Sommers and her grandson said they plan to bring the family dog along for walks from now on.

“I will be more aware when I take a walk,” she said.

Kitsap County sheriff’s deputies said the woman described the man as white, between 20 to 30 years of age, about 6-foot to 6-foot-2, with red hair and a long goatee.

His truck is described as an 1980s or '90s extended cab pickup with a cream-colored canopy, showing damage to a rear window.

“This is why people tell you to be so vigilant,” said Keet.

Keet added that the attempted kidnapping happened just down the street from her home.

She’s arming herself with a cellphone even if it’s only for a walk to the mailbox.

“I was kind of shocked because the lady got a good description,” she said.

Anyone with information in the case is asked to call police.