Suspects try to kidnap boy riding bike in Azusa

AZUSA, Calif. (KABC) -- Azusa Police are searching for two suspects who attempted to kidnap a boy riding his bike home from a park after a family gathering on Monday night.

The 11-year-old boy was riding his bike home from Northside Park around 9 p.m. on the sidewalk on the 300 block of San Gabriel Avenue when an older model van with two men inside stopped in front of him.

"As he passed the vehicle, someone approached him from behind, grabbed him," said Azusa Police Lt. Mike Bertelsen. "There was a struggle that took place, and he was able to break free."

The boy struggled with the suspect and escaped. The boy was not hurt.

Police are now looking for a dark, older model van and two suspects. It was last seen traveling southbound on San Gabriel Avenue from 3rd Street.

"Dark, complected male, possibly with a shaved head, a goatee and a mustache. Perhaps age range of 20 to 40 years," said Bertelsen.

There was no description of the driver.

While officers search, some surprised parents in the area say they're keeping an even closer eye on their kids.

What they're even more concerned about is how close this happened to a school. Now with classes back in session, officers are urging parents to teach their kids ways to stay safe, even when they're not around.

"We caution parents to have a conversation with their kids, reminding them to be aware of their surroundings, be aware of any stranger that may try to approach them," said Bertelsen.

The incident took place in a very high-trafficked area with lots of kids walking and biking home from a nearby middle school in the afternoon, about a block west of the location.

Anyone with additional information related to this kidnapping investigation is asked to contact the Azusa Police Department Detective Bureau at (626) 812-3200. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may click on the "Anonymous Tip" logo at the top of the page at http://azusapd.org/.