Shadows on the Sidewalk: Union City Grapples with a Chilling Abduction Attempt

A morning that should have been utterly routine — a young girl heading off to school — turned into a terrifying ordeal this past Monday, June 3, in Union City. Around 8:30 a.m., an 11-year-old found herself face-to-face with a potential nightmare, a moment no child, no parent, ever wants to imagine. And honestly, it really makes you wonder, doesn't it?

She was simply walking, you know, making her way near Tamarack Drive and Dutra Way, when a white van, an older model one with a rather distinctive ladder rack on the passenger side, pulled up. That's when things took a deeply unsettling turn. A man emerged from the vehicle, approached her, and without a moment's hesitation, tried to grab her arm. It’s a chilling thought, a scene that plays out in nightmares, but for this brave girl, it was all too real.

But here’s the thing: she fought back. Yes, she did. This young lady, in a moment of pure instinct and incredible courage, pulled away from his grasp and ran. And, thank goodness, she got away. The would-be abductor, his attempt thwarted, retreated back into his van and quickly drove off, disappearing from the scene as abruptly as he’d appeared. A sigh of relief, perhaps, but certainly a lingering shadow of fear for the community.

Union City Police are now deeply involved, trying to piece together what happened and, more importantly, to find the individual responsible. They’ve released a composite sketch, a visual representation, in hopes that someone, anyone, might recognize this person. The description they have is of a Hispanic man, likely in his 30s, with short black hair and a clean-shaven face. He was reportedly wearing a gray shirt and black pants. Small details, yes, but crucial ones for an investigation like this.

Now, the police are reaching out, asking for our help — the community’s help. If you happened to be in the area, if you saw something, anything at all, or if that sketch sparks a flicker of recognition, please, do not hesitate. You can contact the Union City Police Department directly at 510-675-5207. And for those who prefer to remain anonymous, there are options: call that same number, 510-675-5207, or send an email to tips@unioncity.org. It’s a collective effort, this keeping our children safe, and every piece of information, no matter how small it seems, could be the key.