Elementary student escapes attempted kidnapping in Placentia

PLACENTIA, Calif. (KABC) -- The Placentia police department is investigating an attempted kidnapping, involving an unknown male adult and a Sierra Vista Elementary School student.

Police report a third-grade student was approached from behind by a dark-skinned male in his late 20's while walking home from school on Thursday at 2:30 P.M.

According to detectives, the student felt as though their personal space was being violated, so the student punched and kicked the suspect in order to get him away.

Detectives said the suspect grabbed the student's wrist and scratched their forearm with his fingernails, which caused the student to throw a pencil at his face in fear.

Authorities said the suspect punched the victim and then fled the area on foot.

Officers and detectives responded to the area and conducted a search for the suspect with negative results.

Police said the suspect had black, short, combed hair, was unshaven and wore a light blue t-shirt, black jeans and black and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Placentia Police Detectives at (714) 993-8146.