Driver Tries Luring Child Into Car; Suspect Sought

PETALUMA, CA – Police are seeking the public's assistance in identifying a man who reportedly harassed a 12-year-old girl, trying to lure her into his car, as she walked Tuesday afternoon in Petaluma, officials said.

The child said she was walking at 3 p.m. near Sonoma Mountain Parkway and Riesling Road when a male motorist pulled his vehicle to the curb alongside her and said, “Hey, you are pretty, like beautiful,” the Petaluma Police Department said.

The girl responded, “Thank you, bye,” but the man continued the harassment saying, “Can I at least give you a ride?” according to authorities.

"The victim became scared and told the driver 'no,'” police said. "She then ran off. As she was running away, she heard the driver yell, 'Get in the car.'”

The girl described the man as white, in his 40s or 50s, with red hair, a red beard and driving a silver Honda or Toyota sedan, the department said.

Anyone with information on the case or who possibly experienced a similar incident is asked to call School Resource Officer John Antonio at 707-781-1204.

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