NPD: Girl nearly abducted after school

NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) - Norfolk Police are asking for help in catching a person responsible for attempting to abduct a 10-year-old girl Wednesday afternoon.

Chris Amos with the Norfolk Police Department said officers were dispatched to the 700 block of Dudley Avenue around 3:30 p.m. for a report of an attempted abduction. A 10-year-old girl was walking home from Oceanair Elementary School when an unknown suspect approached her in a black work van, Amos added.

According to investigators, the suspect got out of the van and grabbed the girl’s arm. She was able to get away and fled on foot.

Norfolk police had additional officers patrolling the area on Thursday. 10 On Your Side spoke to several residents in the area who say they will be paying extra attention to the kids walking home from school as well.

"I watch the kids walk to and from school at the time. They wave to me, and I go about my business. I will definitely be a lot more protective now and watch the kids more," said Rupert Carter Junior, a resident who lives nears Oceanair Elementary School.

The suspect is described as a white male with brown hair believed to be in his early 20s. He was wearing a black coat, black shirt, black pants and black boots at the time of the incident. Amos said the suspect also had a bull ring type of piercing in his nasal septum and a slight mustache.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP.