9-year-old boy recounts attempted kidnapping near El Monte school

EL MONTE, Calif. (KABC) -- A frightened 9-year-old was desperate for police to track down the predator who tried to grab him outside his El Monte school.

"I'm scared I see him again," the child said. "I'm afraid he's, like, going to take me again."

The boy's parents were speaking out and calling for better security around the school after the scary encounter.

The child and his 6-year-old sister were waiting to be picked up in front of La Primaria Elementary School on Sept. 15 when the suspect suddenly approached.

"He said that my mom told him to come and pick me up, and I told him my mom didn't tell me nothing," the boy explained. "That's when the guy try to, like, pull me. When my friend called my name, he started running away, and that's when I ran to my mom."

Thanks to the brave 9-year-old's keen eye, detectives were able to get a detailed sketch of the suspect and his distinctive markings.

The boy said the suspect has pock marks on his face and numerous tattoos, including a large dragon on the back of his head, a skull on his chest and "Maria" written on his neck.

Authorities said the suspect might be a transient who frequents the area, which is what has the victim's parents so concerned.

"There's a lot of homeless people around the school. There's a lot of, like, bad guys walking around the school, and we want, like, the police to do something to clear that area," said the child's mother, Natalie Carrillo.

The innocent 9-year-old just wants one thing.

"I hope they catch him," he said.