POMPANO BEACH, Fla. (WSVN) — A 13-year-old girl who was nearly abducted while walking home from school in Pompano Beach shared her frightening story with 7News.
Surveillance footage of the March 4 incident shows a man driving up along the 1400 Block of Northeast Fourth Street in Pompano Beach, at around 4:30 p.m.
The victim told 7News the man asked her if she was walking home. She said she ignored him and continued walking. "He pulled me to the grass and stopped the car, and asked me if I was on my way home. When I didn’t say anything, he got out of his car."
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, the suspect grabbed her by the waist and tried to pull her inside the vehicle. "He grabbed me and tried to put me in his car, and I like pulled away from him and started fighting just to get away," the victim said.
When the man did not give up, the victim said, she screamed and managed to break free from his grasp. The alleged abductor may not have been able to get a good grasp on the 13-year-old because of the large backpack she was wearing. "I was scared and I started running. I just wanted to get away," she said.
Then, the suspect went back to his vehicle and chased her, but she said she was able to elude the man. Investigators said, when the suspect continued to follow her along the road, she ran to the safety of a nearby family member’s home.
Authorities said the only reason she is able to tell her story is because she did all of the right things.
Her aunt said she is incredibly grateful that her niece was able to get away safely. "She did everything right. She did exactly what we’ve all been telling her to do, and telling all of the kids to do," she said. "It’s horrible to see the video. I’m proud of her, though. She did a good job."
The man is described as having reddish brown hair and a thin frame. He appears to be in his late 40s or early 50s. He was last seen wearing a red, short-sleeved shirt and was potentially driving a tan SUV, which may be a Ford Explorer, according to officials.
If you recognize this man, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $1,000 reward.