2 kidnapping attempts reported in Ontario within 24 hours

ONTARIO, Calif. (KABC) -- Ontario police are continuing to investigate two attempted kidnappings which occurred within 24 hours of each other last week.

An 11-year-old girl was walking home from Edison Elementary School near Monterey and 6th streets at about 3:07 p.m. Thursday when a man put his arms around her from behind and attempted to lift her up, police said.

The suspect told her to be quiet, but the girl screamed and was able to break free. She ran to her house where she reported the incident to a relative.

The suspect was described as a white male adult, between 18 and 20 years old, tall and thin with short spiky, strawberry blonde hair. The suspect had a scruffy beard and was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt.

On Friday, Ontario police say a suspect allegedly tried to kidnap an 11-year-old girl outside of Berlyn Elementary School.

The male suspect grabbed the girl by the hand and the arm near 5th Street and Berlyn Avenue at about 7:15 a.m. The girl, who immediately began screaming, was able to get away. The suspect, however, threatened the girl and told her that if she told anyone he would harm her and her family.

He fled the area on foot with another male. A female, who may have also been involved, left the scene in a black vehicle, Ontario police said.

The suspect was described as a white male adult, between 18 and 20 years old, approximately 5 feet 8 inches tall, weighing 150-160 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. He also had a name tattooed on his neck and a large tattoo of a dragon on his right arm.

Ontario police say the two incidents do not appear to be connected, but both suspects remain at large. Anyone with information was urged to contact the Ontario Police Department at (909) 395-2001.