A suspect trailed two elementary school students in Scripps Ranch Tuesday, repeatedly stopping and waiting for them to pass before getting out of the car and trying to grab both of them, San Diego Police said.
San Diego Police (SDPD) are investigating the attempted kidnapping, which happened when a 10-year-old girl and an 8-year-old boy were walking home near Jerabek Elementary School at approximately 3:55 p.m. Tuesday on the 10500 block of Scripps Trail, SDPD Officer Heims said.
A Jeep driven by a man followed the children as they walked, police said. Eventually, the car passed the children and pulled over to wait for them to walk by several times, police said.
After pulling over several times, the suspect crossed over to the passenger side of the car and got out, police said.
The driver tried to grab the boy, but the girl pushed him forward, police said. He then tried to grab the girl and got a hold of her backpack, police said; his hand slipped off.
Both victims ran up the hill to escape.
Principal Kristie Joiner said the two students "did the right thing with their quick reaction to 'stranger danger', got home safely and reported it immediately to their parents," according to the note. The parents reported the incident to SDPD.
Local
The Jeep is described as a red car with black fenders and a black top. The man was described as approximately 5-foot, 8-inches tall with dirty blond hair. His eye was described as "messed up," police said. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, camouflage pants and red and white shoes.
"We encourage you to remind and dialogue with your child about safety strategies related to 'stranger danger'," Joiner's letter to parents said.
Anyone with information about the incident can call SDPD at the non-emergency line (619) 531-2000 or (858) 484-3154.
