"She kind of observed a male coming up kind of close to her and turned to see why he was getting so close," said Lt. Rick Handfield from the Irvine Police Department. "And it was at that point that she said that he offered her some candy to take off some of her clothing. And she became kind of concerned at that point, and as he kind of leaned forward and reached toward her she delivered a very well placed kick."
After the girl kicked the man in the groin he dropped down, giving her time to run away. The incident allegedly happened around 3 p.m. Tuesday near Bryan Avenue and Marketplace in Irvine, not far from Tustin Ranch Elementary School.
Parents and students are well aware of what happened.
"It terrifying," said Stelynna VonBorstel. "Before my kids used to meet me halfway walking to the house and now it's not possible, I'm not going to let them."
The incident gives parents an opportunity to talk with their kids about what to do if they're confronted by a stranger.
"First and foremost just run away," said Celia Otto. "Just run away as fast as you can and do what that little girl did, just scream."
Investigators released a composite sketch Friday in the hopes that someone may be able to identify the man.
The suspect was described as a male Hispanic with a shaved head, about 5 feet 8 inches tall, between 20 and 30 years old, with a medium build. He had a noticeable Hispanic accent. He also had a tattoo of cursive writing on the back of his neck and a small scar on the right side of his face.
Police say the suspect could be driving a green older model Jeep Wrangler with no top. Anyone with information is urged to call the Irvine Police Department at (949) 724-7183.
- Get more local news headlines from Orange County
- Have a news tip? Send your tips, video, or pictures
