Teen Escapes Attempted Kidnapper In Escondido

ESCONDIDO, CA – A teenage girl fought off a man who allegedly grabbed her while she was walking to school Thursday morning in Escondido, authorities announced.

The 15-year-old student was walking to Orange Glen High School in the 600 block of Linwood Street when the man grabbed her around 7:30 a.m., according to the Escondido Police Department. The student fought off the man and ran away. She was not injured.

Police released a photo of the alleged attempted abductor identified as 28-year-old Edgar Gutierrez of Escondido. He remained at large Thursday afternoon.

"The student sought help from nearby citizens who followed the male suspect and provided a photo," said officials from the Escondido Union High School District in an alert.

The suspect is described as a heavy-set Hispanic man in his 20s. He has bushy hair and a full beard. He was last seen wearing a dark T-shirt with "TH" imprinted on the front and dirty jeans.

"The safety of all students remains our top priority," district officials said. "We want to remind all students to please walk in groups and to be aware of your surroundings at all times."

Anyone with information about the attempted abduction is asked to contact Escondido Detective Teresa Ruiz at 760-839-4790.

Image via Escondido Police Department