Mother stops suspect who attempts to abduct her 3-year-old

SEATTLE -- Police spokeswoman Cindi West said that about 6 p.m. Sunday in the 10400 block of 3rd Avenue SW, a man was reported to have attempted to grab a 3-year-old from his yard.

The child's mother said the family were outside in their yard getting ready to barbeque. The young boy was playing nearby.

The woman told police she felt someone brush against her. She then saw her 3-year-old son in the arms of the suspect and gave chase. As she ran after the man, he tripped and fell and dropped the toddler. A fight then ensued between the woman and suspect and she eventually covered the toddler with her body to protect him.

The suspect reportedly punched and kicked the woman in the head and body before fleeing and then escaped by hopping a fence.

The man is described as tall and lanky. He was wearing a black ski mask, black clothing and gloves. Because of his disguise, the suspect's age or race is not known; the woman told police she believed it was a man because of the noises he made during their struggle.

The boy was not injured in the incident but his mother suffered a black eye and bruises.

A K-9 unit searched the area but was not able to locate the suspect.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the King County Sheriff's Office at 206-296-3311.