Skokie Police Arrest Chicago Man for Trying to Snatch Teen

By Joe Vince

A Chicago man faces a felony attempted kidnapping charge after being accused of trying to snatch a teenage girl while she was walking in Skokie last month, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

Gabino A. Torres, 36, of the 7200 block of North Bell Avenue, was arrested Thursday, Feb. 12, and charged with felony attempted kidnapping and unlawful restraint, the Tribune reported. He is set to appear in court Friday, the report added.

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The 13-year-old victim told Skokie police that a man tried to kidnap her Jan. 20, in the 4800 block of Golf Road, as she was walking from Old Orchard Junior High School to Niles North High School, the report stated. According to the victim, the suspect got out of his vehicle to ask her directions, then tried to pull her toward the automobile, the report added.

The teen, however, defended herself by pulling metal padlocks on a string from her backpack, hitting the would-be kidnapper in the mouth, the report stated, adding that he fled the scene after that.

Police said the victim’s detailed description of her assailant—he was missing two fingers from his right hand—and information from the public helped them catch Torres, the report stated.