Man attempts to kidnap, threatens to kill CSUN student, police say

NORTHRIDGE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Police at California State University, Northridge said a man attempted to kidnap and threatened to kill a female student on Tuesday.

Authorities said the attempted kidnapping happened on Dearborn Street near the campus at about 3:40 p.m.

The female student said the suspect grabbed her from behind in a bear hug and told her if she screamed that he would kill her.

Authorities said the victim was able to fight the suspect off and fled to find police officers.

"She started to fight and kick and attempted to get away, and he warned her and said stop fighting, stop kicking or I will kill you. And she kept fighting and kicking and, lucky enough, she was able to escape his grasp," said Chief Anne Glavin of CSUN police.

After the attack, the victim ran to campus police and officials put out an emergency alert. Students said they were worried.

"And it's just scary 'cause you don't know if it was one of your friends or what happened, and honestly, it could happen to anybody," said student Taylor Mansfield.

Officials described the suspect as a white man, between the ages of 25 and 30, about 6 feet 5 inches tall with a short beard.

The suspect was last seen wearing dark blue jeans and a black T-shirt.

The victim said she may have seen the suspect at Oviatt library on Monday.

If you have any information that could help authorities identify the man, you were urged to call CSUN Police at (818) 677-2111.