Park service investigating reported kidnapping near Bodie Island Lighthouse

Lifeguard stand at Coquina Beach Access on Bodie Island. [NPS photo]

The National Park Service is investigating a reported kidnapping from the restrooms at the Coquina Beach Access across from the Bodie Island Lighthouse on Wednesday evening.

Cape Hatteras National Seashore special agents with the National Park Service’s Investigative Services Branch (ISB) and the Dare County Sheriff’s Office, seek the public’s assistance on information regarding a recent investigation of an alleged kidnapping that occurred within the Seashore on Wednesday, May 12.

A woman visiting Cape Hatteras National Seashore reported being abducted 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. 12 from the Bodie Island Light Station.

The victim told law-enforcement that she was physically forced by the male to drive her silver 2017 Ford Escape, until reaching the Little Kinnakeet Beach Access parking lot, located across N.C. 12 from the Little Kinnakeet Life-Saving Station.

Once at the Little Kinnakeet Beach Access parking lot, the victim reported she escaped west from the ocean-side beach and fled on foot south along N.C. 12 until she was picked up by a passing motorist.

Seashore law enforcement rangers responded and began investigating jointly with the Dare County Sheriff’s Office at approximately 8:45 p.m.

The victim described the kidnapper 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 N.C. 12 or the beach the evening of May 12.

Anyone with information that may help to identify the individual responsible for committing this alleged crime 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.

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Kari Pugh is digital director for OBXToday.com, Beach 104, 99.1 The Sound, 94.5 WCMS and News Talk 92.3 WZPR. Reach her at kpugh@jammediallc.com