Girl Escapes Clutches Of Would-Be Kidnapper On Way To School

BELL GARDENS, CA — Authorities are warning the public about a man who attempted to kidnap a schoolgirl Thursday morning in Bell Gardens.

The girl was walking to school at the intersection of Eastern Avenue and Jaboneria Road just before noon when the would-be kidnapper approached her, according to the Bell Gardens Police Department.

The victim was able to break away from the kidnapper and reported the attack to school officials, police said.

According to police, the suspect is a 5-foot-9-inch tall man, with facial hair. He weighed roughly 170 pounds. His hair was not groomed, and he was last seen wearing a puffy blue jacket.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information about the attempted kidnapping is asked to call Bell Gardens police at 562-806-7601.