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Law enforcement rangers at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, special agents with the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch (ISB) and the Dare County Sheriff’s Office are seeking the public’s assistance for information regarding the investigation of an alleged kidnapping that occurred within CHNS on Wednesday, May 12.

According to a CHNS press release sent out late Tuesday afternoon, May 18, an “adult female Seashore visitor reports being kidnapped from the Coquina Beach Access restrooms by an adult white male at approximately 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday, May 12. The restrooms are located across N.C. Highway 12 (NC 12) from the Bodie Island Light Station.

“The female alleges that she was physically forced by the male to drive her vehicle, a silver 2017 Ford Escape, until reaching the Little Kinnakeet Beach Access parking lot, located across NC 12 from the Little Kinnakeet Life-Saving Station.

“Once at the Little Kinnakeet Beach Access parking lot, the female reports that she escaped west from the ocean-side beach and fled on foot south along NC 12 until she was picked up by a passing motorist.”

CHNS law enforcement rangers responded and began investigating jointly with the Dare County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 8:45 p.m. on the day of the incident. The female did not require transport to the hospital.

“The alleged kidnapper was described as six feet tall with light colored hair, scruffy chin hair and possibly a thin mustache. He most likely fled the scene by foot along NC 12 or the beach the evening of May 12,” stated the release.

“This incident has been under intense investigation since the initial report was received on May 12. Investigators are now requesting any additional information that may be available from the public,” stated Michael Barber, CHNS public affairs specialist.

Those with information that may help to identify the individual in question are asked to contact the ISB by calling or texting the ISB Tip Line at 888-653-0009, submitting an anonymous tip at www.nps.gov/isb or by emailing nps_isb@nps.gov. Anonymous tips may also be submitted to the Dare County Community CrimeLine at www.darecommunitycrimeline.org/tips.

“This is an ongoing investigation. Currently, no further details are available,” the release concluded.

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