Police Search For Man Who Tried To Grab Girl, 11, In Gravesend, Brooklyn
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police released video Friday of a potentially dangerous man who allegedly tried to grab a girl right off the street in Brooklyn.
As CBS2's Esha Ray reported, the young girl was walking home from school around 2:50 p.m. Wednesday, when police said she was almost abducted at Highlawn Avenue and West 7th Street in Gravesend, Brooklyn.
Police said the hooded man spotted the hooded girl near the intersection as he walked toward Highlawn Avenue. The man grabbed the bag and her shoulder and tried to force her to come with him, but she fought him off, police said.
"I think it's terrible," said area public school parent Natalie. "My heart goes out to the parents of those two little girls."
Natalie has three children who all go to P.S. 215 about 10 blocks east of the scene. She said the neighborhood is fairly safe, but she would never let her children walk home from school alone – because you can't trust anybody.
"I think it's very dangerous," Natalie said. "I think you have to be careful of all of your surroundings 24/7, especially around your own neighborhood."
P.S. 215 is not the only school in the area. There is also P.S. 97 and David Boody Junior High. Around the time on Wednesday when the attempted abduction happened, the street would have been filled with children from the schools – all blissfully unaware of what was lurking just around the corner.
"This is New York City," said public school parent Anna Vasin. "I mean, you've got to consider that, you know, you don't know your neighbors, basically -- even in a neighborhood like this."
"It's very scary," said public school parent Irma Gvelesiani. "I don't know. Very bad."
The suspect was described as a while male between the ages of 25 and 30, standing about 6 feet tall. He was last seen wearing a black jacket, black hoodie, grey sweatpants, and black sneakers.
Police also released a sketch of the suspect.
On Friday, police were still canvassing the streets – driving right by the house where the surveillance video of the suspect was taken. Officers were keeping an eye out to make sure all was safe for the kids as they went home.
Anyone with information was asked to call the NYPD Crime Stoppers at (800) 577-TIPS or (888) 57-PISTA for Spanish, log onto the Crime Stoppers website, or text tips to 274637 (CRIMES) and enter TIP577.
