North Park kidnapping attempt: Man tried to force 14-year-old girl into vehicle

CHICAGO - Chicago police are looking for a man who tried to kidnap a young girl in North Park on Wednesday afternoon.

Around 2:30 p.m., the 14-year-old girl was walking on the sidewalk in the 5400 block of North Kimball Avenue when she was ambushed. The offender exited his vehicle, wrapped his arm around the child’s throat placing the victim in a headlock, and attempted to force her inside the vehicle, police said.

The girl fought back and was able to break free, running to a nearby home. Meanwhile, the offender fled northbound on Kimball Avenue.

The suspect is described as a white man between 30 and 40 years old. He has a fair complexion, wavy brown hair and was wearing a red and black jacket at the time of the incident.

Police said the suspect was driving a black Jeep with Illinois license plates #EE81455.

"To know that somebody is trying to kidnap or abduct any child is pretty insane. What is this world coming to," said Angel Mojica, who lives nearby.

The situation has left neighbors on high alert.

"It’s just very horrible to hear," said Oscar Palma, who lives nearby. "This is a nice neighborhood. There are a lot of kids after school or during school that walk around the area, sometimes they walk alone, that’s kind of scary to think about."

Both Peterson Elementary School and Northside College Prep are located just a few blocks from where the attempted kidnapping unfolded. Students are still on winter break for about another week.

"I do have nephews that go to Peterson School right down the block so it’s shocking," said Mojica.

Mojica says many buildings in the area – including his own – have doorbell cameras and surveillance video. He tells FOX 32 Chicago that he is hopeful the offender will be caught soon.

"God bless the family, and I hope the little girl is ok, I know she's probably frightened," said Mojica. "Neighborhood, just need to keep your eyes alert and make sure to get this guy."

Police are reminding the public – that just as this young girl did – to look for identifying characteristics if you find yourself in a similar situation.

If you have any information about this incident, you’re asked to contact the Bureau of Detectives — Area Three at (312)-744-8261.