Attempted Kidnapping Reported Near Redwood City: Police

Redwood City, CA — San Mateo County sheriff's officials are warning the public of a kidnapping attempt that happened Thursday on the Peninsula.

According to the agency, a 12-year-old girl was walking in the North Fair Oaks area when a strange man tried to grab her by the arm.

The girl immediately ran to a nearby elementary school to report the incident, and deputies searched the area. However, no suspect was found.

Here's the full alert from the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office:

Today, an unknown suspect on a red bicycle approached a 12 year old female juvenile who was walking near the intersection of Douglas Avenue and Fair Oaks Avenue, in the North Fair Oaks community of Redwood City.

The suspect asked the victim if she was lost and told her, “Don’t worry, I’ll take you”, he then attempted to grab her arm but was unable to reach her as she stepped back. She then ran to Fair Oaks Elementary School and told her summer counselor about the incident.

Sheriff’s Deputies responded and an extensive search of the area was conducted for the suspect with no results. There were no other reports of similar activity. The Sheriffs’ Office reminds parents and guardians to speak with children in their household and discuss safety tips on avoiding strangers.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to call Sheriff’s Detective Lisandro Lopez at (650) 363-4055 or Llopez@smcgov.org alternatively, you may also remain anonymous by calling the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Anonymous Tip Line at 1-800-547-2700.

The following suspect description was also released:

• Unknown white male adult, 30-40 years old. Described as skinny with blond hair and wearing no shirt, white/red striped shorts and riding a red bicycle. No tattoos or distinguishing characteristics observed. Last seen at the above location. No photos or video of suspect available at this time.