A man from Fairfax, Virginia, has been arrested for two attempted child abductions, and police believe there may be more victims.
Authorities are now asking the public to come forward with any information that could help in the investigation.
According to the Fairfax County Police Department, the suspect is 29-year-old William Jose Garcia, who lives in the Fairfax area.
He is accused of trying to abduct two underage girls in separate incidents last month. The cases took place on May 17 and May 18, both in the Fair Oaks area of Fairfax County.
In the first case, police say Garcia approached a girl walking near the 12300 block of Lee Jackson Memorial Highway. He allegedly asked her to come with him. She ran away, and a good Samaritan helped her report the incident.
Just one day later, another young girl told police a man tried to lure her toward his car near the 4100 block of Meadowland Court. Again, the girl was able to get away safely. Investigators later identified Garcia as the suspect in both incidents.
Officers located Garcia and arrested him on May 24. He has been charged with two counts of attempted abduction and is currently being held without bond.
Detectives believe Garcia may have approached other children in the area and are urging anyone with information to speak up. They are asking parents, guardians, and community members to talk to their children and check if they’ve experienced anything similar.
Police have released Garcia’s booking photo and are encouraging the public to contact the Major Crimes Bureau if they recognize him or have any details related to the case.
This case has raised safety concerns among residents in the area. Police say they are increasing patrols in neighborhoods where the attempted abductions occurred.
To report information about this case, the public can contact the Fairfax County Police Department at 703-246-7800 or submit an anonymous tip through Crime Solvers.