On February 17, 2025, a frightening incident occurred in Saint-Augustin-des-Bois, Maine-et-Loire, where a man attempted to kidnap two young girls. The gendarmerie has now launched an appeal for witnesses to help identify the perpetrator, who is described as a Caucasian man in his sixties.
The unsettling events unfolded in the afternoon as the two minors were walking a dog. According to the gendarmerie, the suspect followed the girls and repeatedly urged them to get into his vehicle, a blue Peugeot 406 break. In a disturbing turn of events, he even grabbed one of the girls by the wrist in an attempt to force her into the car.
Fortunately, a cyclist intervened during the incident, causing the suspect to flee the scene. This brave action may have prevented a much more serious situation. The gendarmerie is not only seeking information about the suspect but also hopes to locate the cyclist who played a crucial role in thwarting the attempted abduction.
The suspect is described as being approximately 65 years old, standing around 1.70 meters tall, with medium-length salt and pepper hair and blue eyes. Authorities are urging anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has information about the suspect or the cyclist to come forward.
On April 16, 2025, the gendarmerie of Maine-et-Loire made a public appeal on their Facebook page, requesting assistance from the community. They stated, "If you have any information that could help identify the suspect or the cyclist who intervened, please contact us." The appeal was made in hopes of gathering more details that could lead to the identification and capture of the suspect.
Saint-Augustin-des-Bois, located about 20 kilometers from Angers, is a small village where such incidents are rare, making this attempt at kidnapping all the more alarming for residents. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
The gendarmerie has provided several ways for the public to share information: by calling 17, contacting the Saint-Georges-sur-Loire brigade at 02.41.39.13.10, or via email at [email protected].
This incident has left the local community shaken, as parents and guardians are reminded of the importance of keeping a close eye on their children while they are outdoors. The bravery of the cyclist who intervened serves as a reminder that community vigilance can help protect children from potential harm.
As the investigation continues, the gendarmerie is hopeful that with the public's help, they will be able to locate the suspect and ensure the safety of the community. The appeal for witnesses highlights the importance of community involvement in keeping neighborhoods safe.
In a world where such incidents seem to be on the rise, it is crucial for communities to come together and support one another. The gendarmerie is grateful for any assistance that can be provided in this case, and they emphasize that no piece of information is too small.
As of now, the investigation remains open, and authorities are committed to finding the individual responsible for this alarming attempt at kidnapping. They remind everyone to stay aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior immediately.
In summary, the events of February 17 in Saint-Augustin-des-Bois serve as a sobering reminder of the potential dangers that can lurk in seemingly safe environments. The gendarmerie's appeal for witnesses is a crucial step in ensuring that justice is served and that such incidents do not occur again.
