INDIAN HARBOUR BEACH, Fla. — A man pulled a woman to the ground while she was working out in broad daylight at Gleason Park and tried to kidnap her, according to the Indian Harbour Beach Police Department.
When the woman got to her feet, she said she recognized the man from prior contact. She said he then grabbed and tore her shirt, placed her in a headlock and covered her mouth with his hand as he began dragging her to a wooded area of the park.
A witness screamed, causing the man to flee, police said.
Park goers said the trail feels safe, because it's close to a busy road.
"To me it's very safe. I've been here for six years," said park goer Doris MaCallister.
Some like Doris MacAllister try to avoid the area at night since it's closed off by trees.
"Usually (at) nighttime I don't go over there," MacAllister said.
The victim said she cut off communication with the man who calls himself "Sun Man" months ago, and hadn't seen him since.
Police said he goes by Sunny Thompson, but they don't know if that's his real name.
The woman and the man met last year, and the victim believed he was from south Florida, said police.
She told police she cut off contact with Thompson last December and hadn't seen or heard from him until Wednesday.
The man is in his 40s and weighs about 235 pounds. He has an olive complexion, sandy blonde hair that is thinning at the top, a possible acne-scarred complexion with a heavy unknown accent.
The man's front tooth is cracked and noticeable when speaking, the victim said.
He has also been known to drive an older, white Mercedes station wagon.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Indian Harbour Beach Police Department at 321-773-3030 or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS (8477).
WFTV
