Man Tries to Lure 10-Year-Old Girl into Van in Arlington: Police

ARLINGTON, VA — Police are looking for a man with a British accent who tried to get a 10-year-old girl to get into his van in Pentagon City after she had been dropped off by her school bus.

Police say the incident happened in the 600 block of 15th Street S on Dec. 19 at 4 p.m. when the girl had arrived home from school.

"The victim described the suspect as speaking with a British accent as he offered her candy and reported to have dogs inside his van," according to a report from the Arlington County Police Department. "When the victim refused, the suspect grabbed her backpack and jacket before the victim was able to escape."

The man escaped the area in his vehicle. He is described as a white male in his 20s with black hair and wearing a black shirt and possibly red pants. He was driving a white van with a sliding side door.

Police have increased patrols in the area and are asking anyone with information to contact Detective K. Bercoviz at 703-228-4235 or by emailing Kbercovicz@arlingtonva.us. You can also make a tip anonymously by calling 866-411-TIPS (8477).

Image via ACPD