Mercer Island Man Charged with Attempted Kidnapping, Community and Police Respond Vigilantly
In an alarming incident that has gripped the Mercer Island community, 38-year-old Mohammad Ajoly has been charged with two counts of attempted kidnapping following an attempt to lure two children into his vehicle in early June. KING 5 News reports that Ajoly, accused of using a stuffed panda to attract the kids, approached the children while driving a black Toyota Prius near a home on Mercer Terrace Drive.
The incident came to light when the mother of the 9-year-old potential victim informed the police that her son was playing outside when Ajoly allegedly encouraged the boy to come get the toy, a sentiment expressed through a wave and the words "hey, I have a panda bear for you; come get it," according to KING 5 News, after which the boy swiftly retreated to inform his mother. In a letter that the Mercer Island School District communications team sent out the following day to remind local families to discuss safety and keep vigilant, they praised the children for their quick thinking saying, “Fortunately the elementary aged children involved did the right thing by immediately seeking help from a trusted adult, in this case a parent”; this message was passed along in an effort to reinforce the importance of children's awareness of their surroundings and to provide safety tips to families, as shared by Kent Reporter.
The Mercer Island Police Department (MIPD), with aid from tips within the community and collaboration of the affected family, successfully traced and identified Ajoly as the suspect through diligent investigative efforts. FOX 13 Seattle adds that detectives were able to gather additional evidence to support the case during their search.
Finally, on August 18, officers from the Bellevue Police Department located and apprehended Ajoly in Kent, Washington; facilitating this action was a formal charge levied by the Prosecuting Attorney's Office on August 6, based on vital findings from the investigation, this prompted the King County Superior Court to issue an arrest warrant. Additional details around the case and subsequent arrest have not been made available to the public as of yet.
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