A Seattle man was arrested in Burien Friday night after deputies say he tried to kidnap an Albertson’s employee by dragging her into his van.
It happened just before 5 p.m. at the store at S. 128th Street and 1st Avenue S.
King County Sheriff’s spokesperson Sgt. Cindi West said the 21-year-old employee was in the parking lot gathering shopping carts. The 43-year-old suspect, who the woman didn’t know, approached her and tried to convince her to get into the van. The victim told deputies he tried to using several ploys including telling her there was a cart near the van and asking her if she wanted to see the refrigerator in his van.
When the woman refused, deputies say the suspect grabbed her arm and tried to pull her into the van.
A witness called 911 and ran to help the woman, who was able to get away. She ran into the store to hide and witnesses said the man followed.
Deputies arrived and took the man into custody as he was leaving the store. They interviewed the woman, who they say was "very shaken up after the incident."
The suspect was booked into the King County Jail.
"It is because we had citizens willing to act, help, and do the right thing that something very bad did not happen to this woman," said King County Sheriff Sergeant Pat McCurdy. "This is another example of why it is important for people to trust their instincts and have important conversations with their children."
