There will be stepped-up security at this year’s U.S. Open in Queens amid terror attacks overseas and mass shootings in the U.S. Upwards of a half-million people are expected to attend the U.S. Open over the course of the next few weeks. And on Sunday night, police were still looking for a man who attempted to kidnap a girl from…
Authorities are searching for a man who attempted to abduct a young girl Saturday afternoon at a U.S. Open tennis event for children.
The 11-year-old girl and her family were watching a practice match during Arthur Ashe Kids' Day when she was approached by a man from behind, police said.
The suspect grabbed the girl’s wrist and demanded that she go with him and threatened to harm her, according to police.
The girl pulled her arm away from the man and kicked him, police said. The suspect fled.
The girl wasn't physically harmed, police said.
Police describe the suspect as a man between the ages of 25 and 35, weighing about 200 pounds. He was dressed at the time in a red striped shirt, khaki shorts, sunglasses and has a tattoo with words on his right wrist.
The annual kids event at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing mixes sports and entertainment and takes place the Saturday before the U.S. Open. This year, it was attended by tennis stars Venus Williams, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal, as well as music stars Flo Rida and Troye Sivan.
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Organizers for the event did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
On Monday, the NYPD said that it is going to be out in force this week for the tennis tournament.
Still, some parents said they were going to keep a close eye on their loved ones when they attend the matches.
"Not letting my son out of my sight," said Debbie Yadegari.
Anyone who may have information about the suspect is asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS.
--Marc Santia contributed to this report.
