Police believe the suspect may have been familiar with the winding roads in the Oakland hills and now they're offering a $2,500 reward for information that'll get what appears to be a predator off the streets.
"Well actually my wife had a discussion with both of our boys about a week ago and went over different scenarios that a stranger might approach them," said boy's father.
That discussion may have prevented the abduction of a 9-year-old boy on the day after Christmas. His father, who did not want to be identified, said his son was working on his skateboard in front of their house.
"Someone approached him. Offered him candy with the suggestion they had lots of different candy and asked him to come back to his car," said boy's father. "My son just said no, and the individual reached out to him and my son bolted and locked himself in our garage."
It happened in an Oakland hills neighborhood which is within two miles of Thornill and Montclair elementary schools.
"Very close-knit group up here, very good neighborhood watch, and we let our kids walk up and down the streets a lot," said neighbor Lisa McFadin. When asked if she had checked online if there were any sex offenders in the area, she said, "I have and there really wasn't anything within about five miles."
Oakland police say they're convinced the boy is telling the truth.
"When officers arrived on scene, they asked him what happened and he was very detailed with the information and the description, so we take this very seriously," said Oakland police Officer Johnna Watson.
Now this incident has the father of the 9-year-old reminding parents all over to teach their children how to protect themselves.
"Well, one, have a conversation with your kids. It's important. The other is be a community and watch out for each other," said boy's father.
The suspect is described as an African-American male in his 30's, he is around 5'6", 160lbs. with a thin build, medium complexion, short black hair and a light mustache. He was wearing a dark green and brown long sleeve shirt and he had dirty shoes. Again, there's a $2,500 reward for information leading to his arrest.
