GLENDALE, AZ — A man accused of attempting to kidnap a fifth-grader on her way to school in the West Valley last week is in custody.
Glendale police say the incident happened near 43rd and Peoria avenues just before 8 a.m. on Friday.
In a letter from Sunset Elementary School officials obtained by ABC15, they say a car pulled up to the 11-year-old girl, and a man got out and lunged at her.
Watch video of the kidnapping attempt in the video player below:
The girl ran away and caught up with three other students walking to school.
She reported the incident to school officials, who then called police.
"Glendale Police want to commend the bravery of this young victim. She did exactly what she needed to do to avoid this situation from becoming much worse," officials said in a statement.
Police say they obtained video footage and were able to locate the suspect vehicle.
The 37-year-old man was taken into custody and faces attempted kidnapping charges.
Police documents say the suspect lived in the area near the victim's apartment. The suspect was not known to the victim, officials say.
Officials provided an update on the case Monday morning:
School leaders provided the following safety tips for students and parents:
For students:
- Stay alert and cautious. Stay off of cell phones and be aware of your surroundings.
- Travel to and from school in groups, do not travel alone.
- Do not talk to strangers.
- Do not approach strangers.
- Do not go anywhere with a stranger, no matter the reason he or she may give.
For parents:
- Know whom your child is with, and where he or she is at all times.
- Establish consistent and firm procedures for picking up your child at school, at a friend's home, etc. Don't let your child accept rides from anyone with whom you have not made previous arrangements - even if they say they are a police officer, neighbor, teacher or friend of the family.
- Keep your school office informed of changes in telephone numbers and emergency contacts.
- Make sure your child knows how to get in touch with you at all times.
- Teach your child a code word to use.
- Teach your child that it is okay to run away or to scream if anyone is making him or her feel uncomfortable or do something that is inappropriate.
