Deputies searching for suspect after attempted kidnapping

Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies are searching for a suspect who police say forced their way into a Coachella home early Wednesday morning and attempted to kidnap a child.

Deputies said they responded to the call at around 2 a.m. in an apartment complex on the 53500 block of Caesar Chavez St. They said a juvenile reported that someone forced their way into a home through a window and tried to take them away.

Deputies said the person was unsuccessful in the kidnapping and the child is safe. An extensive search is now underway, as police pursue foot impressions and suspicious vehicles.

Neighbors are now taking extra security precautions.

” It’s actually pretty scary just thinking about — oh you’re safe, you’re in your home. And then all of a sudden you hear, ‘Oh someone tried to break in,’ and you don’t feel that safe anymore, ” said Natalie Angel, a neighbor on that block.

David Rabago , who lives nearby, said families in his community are highly protective of their kids.

” (Kids) go out or they come out here to play — (their parents are) always watching them, seeing what happens. I do the same thing, ” Rabago said.

Neighbors said while it feels like a safe community, the environment can quickly change at night. Every apartment in one complex on the block where the incident occurred has security doors and bars on the windows.

” You’re just worried about who’s outside at night, ” Angel said. ” You have to keep your doors locked. ”

She said she’s using the incident as a reminder to be cautious and relying on her neighbors for help.

” When it comes to this, it’s mostly just taking care of each other, even if you might not talk to each other, you might not even have communication with your neighbors, ” Angel said. ” It’s best just to keep an eye out. ”

” We look after each other in here, ” Rabago said. ” That is the good part about it. ”

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