Authorities in Arizona are asking for the public’s help in locating a suspect who reportedly attempted to kidnap an 11-year-old girl last week but was stopped by a Good Samaritan with a gun.
KSAZ reported that the incident occurred near 19th Avenue and Bell Road in Phoenix. Police said girl was walking to Village Meadows Elementary School when the male suspect grabbed the girl’s arm from behind, pulled it behind her back, and put his other arm over her face.
A passerby reportedly overheard the suspect talking to the girl and knocked the suspect down before instructing the man to leave and brandishing a gun. The suspect reportedly fled the scene on foot.
While police told AZFamily that the attempted abduction occurred on the morning of April 3, the girl’s father told the outlet that it happened April 2 but his daughter told a teacher the following day. The school district sent a letter home to parents on Monday detailing the incident.
The girl’s father said his daughter is shaken up but unharmed. He said he’s been driving her to school since last week’s incident. KSAZ reported that police have also increased their presence in the area.
Phoenix police said they’ll be releasing a composite sketch later this week. They’ve described the suspect as a black man with a very dark complexion and having green eyes and a stud nose ring in his left nostril.
Anyone with information regarding last week’s attempted abduction can call Phoenix police at 602-534-2121. Those who wish to remain anonymous can call Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS.
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