GOODYEAR, Ariz. (AZFamily/Gray News)— A police department in Arizona is hoping that releasing an AI-generated suspect photo will generate leads in a case that has rattled a neighborhood.
Along a quiet street full of families, police in Goodyear say a dangerous man attempted to kidnap a 14-year-old girl on April 4.
“Our kids play outside with all the neighbor kids. It’s honestly the safest place in Phoenix I’ve ever lived,” said Heather Bunch, a neighbor and mother of two young children. “I have no words. I’m completely shocked. There are so many school-aged kids around here and the fact that that could happen so close to home is mind-boggling.”
It happened in broad daylight, around noon, feet away from an elementary school. Police say a stranger grabbed a teen’s arm while she was walking near Village Boulevard and Watkins Street.
Investigators say he tried to take her by pulling her in the other direction toward Hilton Avenue, but she escaped and her parents called 911.
“I’m glad she was able to get away though, that there wasn’t anything happening to her, that she wasn’t attacked or taken away,” said Karl Reed, a neighbor who has lived in this neighborhood for 20 years.
Detectives are using a new method to solve this crime. For the first time, Goodyear police created a composite sketch of the suspect using artificial intelligence.
“He doesn’t look familiar at all, but it is so realistic to use AI. I did not even know that that was a thing and I think it’s amazing to be able to do that because then it makes it real and helpful to be able to identify somebody you may know,” said Bunch.
Forensic officers made the AI-generated image after speaking with witnesses and the victim.
“I thought that was a real picture,” said Reed.
The wanted man is in his 50s or 60s with blue eyes and brown hair. He is estimated to be 6 feet tall and 200 pounds.
“I do believe using AI for that, not so much for the workplace, but I mean that’s taking jobs away, but definitely if they can get people caught doing criminal acts, very good,” said Reed. “Hopefully, he’ll be caught with that picture.”
Police have not said if the suspect was walking or if he had a car at the time of the attempted abduction.
If anybody recognizes the man or has any information that may help with the investigation, please contact the Goodyear Police Department at 623-932-1220.
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