Man with red Mohawk tries to kidnap 7-year-old girl in Placentia, police say

PLACENTIA, Calif. (KABC) -- Authorities were searching for a man after they said he tried to kidnap a 7-year-old girl in Placentia on Monday.

Placentia police said the child was riding a scooter near her home in the area of West Orangethorpe and South Placentia avenues at about 3:30 p.m.

As the child passed the suspect, police said he jumped up and grabbed her from behind in a bear hug.

Authorities said the child was able to slip away and began screaming to draw attention.

Her babysitter and a park maintenance worker, who were both nearby, came running toward her as the suspect fled on foot, police stated.

Officials described the suspect as a black male, about 5-foot-7-inches tall with a thin build and a red Mohawk hairstyle.

The suspect was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt with a blue shirt underneath and black pants, authorities said.

While the girl was terrified, police said she did not suffer any injuries.

Anyone with information that could aid detectives in their investigation was urged to call the Placentia Police Department at (714) 993-8164.