Attempted Kidnapping in Perris has Authorities on Alert

A 12-year-old female was the victim of an attempted kidnapping in the Lakeside Middle School area, in the city of Perris.

On Dec. 9, the Perris Police Department had been notified of the incident that took place on Dec. 8, at approximately 4:20 p.m. The victim reported the attempted kidnapping to school officials the following morning, according to the police report.

According to the victim, she was walking on Sherman Avenue, north of Walnut Street, when she was approached by a suspect in a red vehicle. The suspect called for her to get into her car, but the child ignored his request and continued to walk on the sidewalk. The suspect then pulled his vehicle forward, parked his car, and walked toward the child, telling her to get into his car.

When the child refused again, the suspect grabbed her and attempted to force her into his vehicle. The victim said she kicked the suspect until he let go and ran to her father who was waiting around the corner, to pick her up after a school activity. The child and her father searched the area for the suspect, but were unable to locate him.

The suspect is described as being a Hispanic male in his 30's, with a muscular build, approximately six-feet-tall, and 240 lbs. The child described a "curvy" tattoo on the suspect's right shoulder, that is believed to be of a dragon. The suspect wore a black "beanie" style winter hat, black t-shirt with an eagle print on the front, and the word "what" printed on the back. He fled in a red, four-door sedan.

Further investigation has revealed that there have been two other attempted kidnappings that have involved a suspect and vehicle of a matching description. One on Oct. 16, and the other on Dec. 1. Both incidents also occurred in the Lakeside Middle School area.

The Perris Police Department is working closely with officials from the Val Verde School District to ensure the safety of the students. They are asking for parents to open a line of communication with their children about the dangers of getting into a stranger's car and discussing a safety plan, in case their student is approached by a stranger.

The Perris Police Department is encouraging children walking to and from school, to walk with an adult or in a group. More officers have been assigned to the area as well.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, are urged to contact Investigator Parker, at the Perris Police Department at 951-210-1048, or at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or by email at PerrisStation@RiversideSheriff.org.