Police Investigate Attempted Kidnapping At Mission Valley​ Mall

SAN DIEGO, CA — Police were investigating an attempted kidnapping of a 6-year-old girl at a San Diego mall, authorities said Thursday.

The attempted kidnapping happened around 1:30 p.m. Tuesday when the child was pushing her younger sibling in a stroller, alongside their mother, on the east side of the Mission Valley mall, according to the San Diego Police Department.

• Update: Man Arrested For Attempted Kidnapping At Mission Valley Mall: Police

"The man began to follow them before grabbing the 6-year-old girl and lifting her off the ground," Lt. Daniel Meyer said. "The man walked a couple of feet in the opposite direction while carrying the girl. The child screamed, causing the man to release her."

The suspect fled on foot westbound through the mall.

He was described as Hispanic, about 40 years old, 5 feet 10 inches tall and 160 pounds, with black collar-length hair, a beard and glasses. He was wearing a bright, baby blue shirt, gray pants, and white tennis shoes.

"He is still outstanding," Meyer said. "Eastern Division detectives responded to the scene and have been actively investigating this incident."

Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact the department's Eastern Division at 858-495-7900 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.