Oakland police searching for man suspected of trying to kidnap toddler from bus platform

The encounter happened Tuesday on the AC Transit bus platform at High Street and International Boulevard, police said.

OAKLAND — A man tried to take a 2-year-old from their family at an AC Transit bus platform on Tuesday, police said.

The actions of family members and a Good Samaritan helped keep the toddler with their family, and nobody was physically injured, Oakland police said in a statement. The encounter happened about 12:30 p.m. on the platform located at High Street and International Boulevard.

On Thursday, police asked for the public’s help in finding the suspect, who ran away after the Good Samaritan came to the aid of the Oakland-based family and the child’s mother. Moments earlier, police said, the suspect threatened members of the toddler’s family and then began to beat up the mother.

Police released images of the attack and described the man as Latino, 40 to 50 years old, about 5 feet 10 inches tall and about 280 pounds. He was last seen wearing a blue hat, a red and blue shirt, and black pants.

They urged anyone who recognizes the man to contact the Oakland Police Department’s Special Victims Unit at 510-238-3641. Anonymous tips can be left at 510-238-7950.