WESTMINSTER, Colo. — An attempted kidnapping that happened four-and-a-half months ago in Westminster, Colo., has police wondering if that suspect is responsible for the abduction and killing of 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway. Ridgeway’s home is located about a mile away from Ketner Lake where two attempted kidnappings have happened within the past two years — one just four months ago.
Neighbors said they’re on edge.
“I used to frequently run around the lake by myself or with the dogs,” said Amy Graham. “After that happened when the woman was attacked, I haven’t run around the lake once by myself.”
In May, police said a man came up behind a 22-year-old jogger, put a rag over her face that smelled of chemicals. She fought him off and ran away. Police now have a renewed interest in that suspect.
“We are asking people to really try to think back to that,” said Trevoro Materasso, Westminster police spokesman.
Because of the location, Westminster police now wonder if the same man is responsible for the abduction and death of Ridgeway.
“We’re now asking the community, particularly those who work, live or have family and friends in that area, to narrow their thought [as to] who they may be looking for,” Materasso said.
The suspect in the assault against the jogger is described as a light-skinned man between 18 and 30 years of age, although he could be older because he wore a ball cap. He is of medium build and is believed to be 5’6″ to 5’8″ tall.
“Was there anything out of character,” Monterasso asked, trying to job people’s memories. “Did someone not show up or behave oddly during get-togethers or gatherings? Did you happen to be walking around the trails or open space and notice somebody that just had an odd look about them — something that now stands out as suspicious?”
Ten-year-old Ridgeway disappeared Oct. 5 on her way to school. Five days later her body was discovered in a park in Arvada, Colo., just a few miles away from where she disappeared. Police said her body was not in tact and had to use DNA to identify her. Ridgeway’s father lives in Independence.
