Man Tries To Kidnap Girl In Lamorinda, Police Say

LAMORINDA, CA — A man tried to kidnap a 14-year-old girl as she walked to school Friday morning in Lafayette, authorities said.

Lafayette police officers were dispatched at 8 a.m. to a report of a suspicious person who had grabbed the girl near Stanley Middle School, 3455 School St., in Lafayette.

Officers learned that the girl's parents dropped her off near the school and as she walked the rest of the way to school, a man approached her on Monroe Avenue.

"The man asked the girl if she was alone, then grabbed her by the shoulder," said Jimmy Lee, spokesperson for the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff. "The girl attempted to break free from his grasp, but he kept a firm grip. The girl was eventually able to break free and run away."

The girl reported the attempted kidnapping to school officials who then notified law enforcement.

The suspect was described as a heavyset white man around 40 years old with stubble facial hair and between 5 foot 8 and 5 foot 9 inches tall. He wore a gray hooded sweatshirt with a white shirt underneath and dark-colored pants. He drove a white four-door sedan with stock wheels and mud spray on the driver's side of the car.

The investigation by the Lafayette Police Department and the Contra Costa County Office of the Sheriff was ongoing Friday afternoon.

As the incident took place in a residential area, investigators ask that residents check their home security cameras to see if images of the suspect or his car were captured, Lee said.

Authorities asked anyone with information about the incident or anyone who has video of it to contact the Lafayette Police Department at 925-283-3680 or 925-646-2441. Tips can also be sent via email to tips@so.cccounty.us or left as an anonymous voice message by calling 866-846-3592.