On Tuesday, Nov. 15, 2022, at approximately 1:40 p.m., Downtown Branch patrol members responded to an attempted kidnapping call near 114 Street and 107 Avenue.
It was reported to police that an 18-year-old female complainant was grabbed from behind by a male suspect after stepping off an ETS bus on 107 Avenue. The male suspect proceeded to drag the young woman down the street, before two witnesses ran to assist her. The bystanders successfully rescued the complainant and took her to a nearby convenience store where police were contacted.
On Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2022, police released photos captured by a witness in a media release. The following day, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, police received a tip on the suspect’s whereabouts, and he was arrested without incident.
Bereket Berahenemeskel, 39, has since been charged with kidnapping and assault.
“We would like to thank the citizens who intervened during the attack and prevented this woman from experiencing additional harm,” says Detective Thomas Marsh with the EPS Northeast Investigative Response Team. “Likewise, we extend our thanks to the media and the public for their assistance with sharing the suspect’s photo and providing tips, both of which ultimately led to this timely arrest.”