Posted at 2:38 p.m., Tuesday, January 15, 2002

Kapolei girl, 12, safe after abduction

By Mike Gordon
Advertiser Staff Writer

A 12-year-old Kapolei girl was briefly kidnapped yesterday but managed to escape unhurt, police said.

The girl was waiting for a bus about 2:45 p.m. at the corner of Kapolei Parkway and Kama'aha Avenue.

A man in a two-door gray vehicle stopped next to her, showed her a knife and told her to get into the vehicle, police said.

For about 15 minutes, he drove toward Kapolei High School. Police said he used his knife to cut her belt and bra.

When the suspect stopped at a bus stop, the victim escaped. The suspect quickly drove away, police said.

Detectives are saying little about the case at this point.

"The case is under investigation," said Detective Letha DeCaires, CrimeStoppers coordinator. "We are putting a lot of resources into it right now. We are taking it very seriously."

Police are investigating the incident for possible kidnapping and attempted sexual assault charges.

The suspect is described as a Caucasian man, 30- to 40-years-old with a husky build.

Anyone with information is asked to call 955-8300.

Reach Mike Gordon at mgordon@honolulu advertiser.com or 525-8012.