Artie Ojeda

Teenagers Fought Off Man in Attempted Abduction

The news alarmed parents picking up children at Cesar Chavez Elementary.

San Diego police are looking for two people who tried to kidnap two teenage girls Wednesday in Southcrest.

The girls, ages 16 and 17, were walking on Alpha Street near Cesar Chavez Elementary School at approximately 8:45 p.m., police said.

One of the teens actually fought off the suspect, police said.

A man driving a white Acura circled the block, according to the girls, before he got out of the car. There was a woman in the car as well.

β€œShe described them as a little dirty looking, possible transients, potential drug users with a poor complexion,” said Lt. Many Del Toro.

The man grabbed the 16 year old by her shoulder and pulled her about three feet, police said.

That's when her friend begin hitting and slapping the man.

β€œShe actually struck him a few times,” Del Toro said. β€œNot very effective as far as injuring him, however, very effective as deterring the threat.”

The man let go and drove away in the car.

The news alarmed parents picking up children at Cesar Chavez Elementary.

β€œThat's very brazen, especially in this neighborhood, because this neighborhood, there's people all the time out here, people out here all the time,” said school employee Kim Breslin.

While the area is busy in the morning and afternoon during school hours, other parents say the neighborhood takes on a different face at night.

β€œAt nighttime, everybody's gone,” said parent Freddy Bahena. β€œSo when it comes to two teenage girls walking by themselves, the best they can do is just scream for help or run.”

San Diego police say the girls did not recognize the suspects.

The man was described to be between 20 to 30 years old, 5-feet 6-inches in height, with a medium build. He was wearing a white sweater, white hat and tan shorts. The woman was approximately 5-feet 4-inches tall, weighing around 160 pounds. She was wearing a black shirt and dark tights, police said.

They don't have a motive, but are calling it an isolated case with no reports of similar incidents in the area.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call SDPD or Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477.

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