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Jessica's Kidnapper Might Have Tried Before

Jessica And Mom Appeared On 'Today' Show

GILCHRIST, Fla., Updated 12:32 p.m. EST March 14, 2000 -- Police in Putnam County said Monday night that a man matching the suspect description in the Jessica Rodriguez kidnapping may have tried to strike there.

VIDEO Jessica's mother spoke at a police press conference.

The police said a similar-looking man was driving a similar car, and tried unsuccessfully to lure a 9-year-old girl on March 1. That's just days before Jessica was kidnapped from her driveway.

Meanwhile, authorities are hoping a $15,000 reward will help lead them to the man who kidnapped 10-year-old Jessica Rodriguez.

The Gilchrist County girl and her mother appeared on the "Today" show Monday morning.

Police say the kidnapper took Jessica from her driveway after school and three days later he dropped her off at a Wal-Mart in Gainesville.

The latest police composite of the suspect reveals a man who is 30 to 40 years old, six feet tall, with a balding spot, and a tattoo of a heart with a broken arrow on his left forearm. Police said that the art might only be a temporary tattoo.

Police believe he lives in a home with a pool and metal shed in the backyard and has a dark green sport utility vehicle with a tan interior.

Anyone with information about Jessica's kidnapper, please call:

Alachua County Sheriff's Office: 1-352-955-2660

Gilchrist County Sheriff's Office Tip Line: 1-800-545-7085

Related Stories:

• March 12, 2000: New Information On Jessica's Kidnapper
• March 10, 2000: Relatives Celebrate Return Of Missing Girl

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