Aurora Police Search For Attempted Kidnapping Suspect
AURORA, Colo. (CBS4)- Police in Aurora are searching for a man who tried to pull a teenage girl into his van while she was walking to school.
The 14-year-old girl was walking to Aurora High School in the area of East 11th Avenue and North Ursula Street about 8 a.m.
That's when she told police that a man drove up to her in a van. The man opened the sliding door and tried to pull her inside.
The girl was able to fight him off and escape. When she got to school, after running more than a mile, she reported the attempted kidnapping to her teachers who then called police.
"Fortunately this girl fought off her attacker and was able to get away," said Aurora Police Sgt. Chris Amsler.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his early 20s, 5-foot-4 with a heavy build, short cropped hair and a scar near his left eyebrow. He was wearing a black puffy winter-style jacket and navy blue or grey shorts.
The suspect was driving a white Chevy Astro Van with a sliding door on the driver's side. The rear doors are welded shut and there is a window on the back right side.
Officers canvassed the area but were not able to locate the suspect vehicle. Detectives from the Crimes Against Children Unit are actively investigating this case. They would like to speak to anyone who saw the attempted kidnapping.
Adrienne Taft lives in that neighborhood and for reasons she can't explain she kept a close eye on her little girl as she walked to school at 7:30 a.m. Wednesday morning.
"It's really weird that I grabbed my binoculars and actually watched my daughter," said Taft.
Police in Aurora have stepped up patrols in the area and are encouraging parents to have a discussion with their children about personal safety.
"I try to teach them don't talk to strangers, don't accept candy, nobody's dog is actually missing. You just never know, you never know," said Taft.
Anyone with information about this case is asked to call Detective Sergeant Marc Paolino at (303) 739-6120 or Detective Sergeant Bob Wesner at (303) 739-6093. Tipsters can also call Metro Denver Crime Stoppers at (720) 913-STOP (7867). They may also text your tip to 274637 (CRIMES) and then use the title DMCS and enter your message. Tipsters may remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward of up to $2,000.