NHSO needs help identifying suspect in attempted kidnapping at gas station

NEW HANOVER COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — The New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspect involved in an attempted kidnapping early Sunday morning.

At approximately 3:21 a.m. on Feb. 2, a woman was attacked inside the Scotchman gas station at 6427 Carolina Beach Road.

According to authorities, a white male with blonde hair, wearing a camouflage jacket, entered the store and went into the restroom for about five to 10 minutes. Upon exiting, he asked the victim to check the toilet.

As she turned to leave after seeing nothing unusual, the suspect grabbed her from behind, covered her mouth, and attempted to pull her into the restroom. The victim fought back and screamed, drawing the attention of two men outside at the gas pumps, who ran inside to intervene. The suspect immediately ran from the store and into a nearby parking lot, where he took off in an unknown SUV.

NHSO’s Crime Analysis Unit is working to identify the suspect and urges anyone with information to come forward. Those with details about the suspect or the incident can contact Detective Lee at nlee@nhcgov.com.