POMPANO BEACH, Fla. – Tips have been pouring in to the Broward Sheriff's Office after authorities released a sketch of a man who they say attempted to kidnap at 13-year-old girl Wednesday in Pompano Beach, deputies said.
The story went national over the weekend, prompting a discussion about child safety and stranger danger.
BSO spokeswoman Joy Oglesby said the girl was walking on the sidewalk on Northeast Sixth Street when a man in a tan SUV pulled up next to her. Oglesby said he asked her if she was walking home and she ignored him and continued walking.
According to authorities, the man got out of his SUV and grabbed the girl by her waist in an attempt to pull her inside the vehicle.
She pushed back and screamed before she was seen on surveillance video running past a day care, Oglesby said.
Local 10 News reporter Andrew Perez spoke to children who also attend school in the area, and they said they are taking extra precautions to stay safe.
"I just stay on the phone with someone when I'm walking," one boy said.
"Walk with other people or at least have someone with you," a girl added.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 954-321-4240 or Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477. A reward of up to $3,000 is being offered for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.