9-Year-Old Escapes Kidnapping Attempt In CA: Police

SANGER, CA — A 9-year-old girl escaped a kidnapping attempt Wednesday in the Central California community of Sanger, according to police.

She was walking home from school when a masked man dressed in black emerged from a white van or SUV, grabbed her by the arm and pulled her into the vehicle, which traveled one or two blocks despite the child’s pleas, before the girl was released, police said.

The driver was a female with short hair and a light complexion, according to police, who have intensified patrols near Sanger schools in response to the incident.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Shaela Edwards at 559-955-1751.