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Police search for man who attempted to kidnap 12-year-old girl in Riverside County

Sketch of kidnapping suspect who targeted a 12-year-old girl in Riverside County on Jan. 18, 2023. (Riverside County Sheriff’s Department)

Authorities are searching for a man who allegedly tried to abduct a girl who was walking home from her middle school in Riverside County.

The attempted kidnapping happened on Jan. 18 in the area of Dracaea Avenue and Graham Street around 1:20 p.m., said the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

The victim, a 12-year-old girl, was walking home from Sunnymead Middle School in Moreno Valley, officials said. As she was walking, the suspect suddenly stopped his vehicle next to her.

He then pointed a handgun at her saying, “Get in the truck, I won’t hurt you,” authorities said.

The girl ran across the street where two bystanders helped her, deputies said. She was not injured.

The suspect is described as a Hispanic man with a medium build, dark-colored hair, a mustache and a goatee. He spoke in Spanish to the girl during the attempted kidnapping, authorities said.

The suspect’s vehicle is described as a dark green Toyota Tacoma pickup truck with tinted windows.

Anyone who recognizes the suspect or experienced similar crimes in their community is asked to contact Investigator Newman at dnewman@riversidesheriff.org, or call the Moreno Valley Station at 951-486-6700.