Police release suspect description in attempted abduction at Houston Zoo

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Saturday, April 7, 2018
Attempted kidnapping at Houston Zoo
Man allegedly tried to abduct 6-year-old at Houston Zoo, Pooja Lodhia reports.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- The Houston Police Department released the description of a possible suspect after a 6-year-old girl claimed a stranger tried to grab her at the Houston Zoo.

The reported incident happened Wednesday, April 4 during an Humble ISD group trip.

The parents of 6-year-old Desairay Exom said she told them the stranger tried to grab her after she had fallen behind from her group.

She said when she tried to scream, the man reportedly put his hand over her mouth while she struggled to get away and find her group.

Desairay Exom
Police say 6-year-old Desairay Exom was able to escape an attempted abduction at the Houston Zoo.
Family Photo

The group's chaperone stated that she was not aware of the incident, but she was distracted for about 30 seconds when a child ran off. She told investigators that was the only time she took her eyes off the four children.

Investigators reviewed surveillance video from the zoo, and said a man who was not accompanied by any children was seen following the girl's group. Investigators said the video also showed the man meeting up with another man without children before leaving the zoo.

Police said the man was Hispanic, about 5'8", 155 pounds and wore sunglasses.