Police search for van used in attempted abduction

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Delaware city police are on the lookout for men in a tan van who apparently tried to abduct a 13-year-old girl Saturday night.

At 8:49 p.m. Saturday, a 13-year-old Delaware resident was walking her dog in the area of Potter Street and Oak Street when she was grabbed by a white male, police report.

Police said the girl squirmed around and escaped the man, and then fled the area. The girl told police that the man initially chased after her but then turned around, got into the van and left area.

The girl ran to her home on Central Avenue and called police. She was reportedly not injured.

Police say they are looking for a tan van with a brown stripe.

The girl told police there were two others in the van.

Police said they have a limited description of the suspects in the van and have described them as white males who are from 20 to 30 years old. Police said one of the men may have had a beard.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them at 740-203-1123.

Police said the dog was not harmed in the incident.

A police investigation is ongoing.

Police said they would encourage parents to actively discuss encounters with strangers with their children, as well as strategies to limit their risk of abduction, such as:

• Ensuring parents are aware of a child’s travel plans.

• Walking with a friend.

• Being aware of surroundings and avoiding preoccupations with devices like iPods, phones, headphones or anything that would sacrifice spacial awareness.

• How and where to get help. Police gave examples like a neighbor’s home, a business, a police station or a fire station.

• Access to a cellphone.

Police also recommend walking in areas that are likely to be seen and to avoid secluded areas that might shorten the trip, but increase the risk.

By Glenn Battishill

[email protected]

Glenn Battishill can be reached at 740-413-0903 or on Twitter @BattishillDG.

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