The Oceanside Police Department is investigating an alleged kidnapping attempt involving a female student at El Camino High School.
OPD says the 16-year-old student was walking to school at around 7:20 a.m. Thursday near Mesa Drive and Vanilla Way when she passed a man walking in the opposite direction.
After she passed, the man turned around and grabbed her in a bear hug and an altercation ensued, OPD said.
The suspect, described by police as "dirty looking" and possibly homeless, fell during the altercation and the student was able to break free. She continued to school and notified security who then called police.
On Saturday, police released a sketch of the suspect.
Officers responded and a drone was launched in the area, but the suspect was not located. He is described as around 5 feet 9 inches tall and around 150 pounds.
The suspect was last seen wearing a tan pull over sweatshirt with a zipper at the chest and black baggy, dirt jeans, OPD said. The man was bald on the top of his head and had short light brown hair on the sides of his head, and had a scab on the right side of his neck.
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The Oceanside Unified School District told parents there was an increase in officers patrolling enar the school as a precaution.
"Please remind your student that if they feel uncomfortable or threatened by a stranger to speak up. Some best practices include: telling your child that if a stranger ever approaches and offers a ride, treats, or asks for help with a task, such as helping find a lost dog, your child should step away, firmly yell "No!" and run away from the area immediately. Your child should also tell you or another trusted adult what happened," a letter from the district said.
Anyone with information can call OPD Detective Brandon Baird at (760) 435-4690.
No other information was available.
