West Orange High student escapes potential kidnapper, school officials say

ORANGE COUNTY  Following a West Orange High School student’s close call with a potential kidnapper Tuesday, April 25, Orange County Public Schools sent out a voice message to parents regarding the incident.

According to a police report, Orange County sheriffs responded to a call at 6:15 a.m. regarding a 16-year-old girl who was walking to her bus stop in front of the Alexandria Parc Vue Apartments on Bastille Lane when she noticed a vehicle passing by her.

According to the report, the vehicle was a tan or white older-model sedan and driven by a white male who was described to be in his 20s. The car drove by the victim a second time and parked, when the suspect got out and reportedly struck the victim, knocking her to the ground.

The report stated that the victim loudly resisted the suspect as he tried to pull her toward the car, when another apartment resident noticed her kicking and screaming and pulled up to ask what was going on. The suspect got back into his car and left the complex, leaving the victim was shaken and bruised.

Police released a composite sketch of the suspect Wednesday, April 26. He is described as a white male in his 20s with a thin build, brown hair and facial hair. 

“An incident occurred near South Winter Garden Vineland Road this morning that is very concerning,” Sunset Park Elementary Principal Janet Bittick told parents in a school voicemail. “A West Orange High student, while on her way to the bus stop, escaped a potential kidnapper. Fortunately, the student is OK.”

Bittick asked parents to advise their children on safety and vigilance and to remind them to always be aware of their surroundings.

“Always walk in pairs or in groups if possible,” Bittick said. “Immediately call 911 if anything suspicious is observed. The safety of our students is our top priority.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Crimeline at 800-423-8477.

Contact Danielle Hendrix at [email protected].