Police investigate suspected abduction attempt in Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake police are investigating a report that an unknown man tried to abduct a child near West Elementary School Wednesday morning, according to Crystal Lake Elementary District 47.

Superintendent Donn Mendoza said he is not aware of any suspects yet; police could not be reached immediately for comment.

Mendoza said reports indicate that at around 8:35 a.m. Wednesday, a male suspect seated in a gold or brown four-door sedan approached an elementary-age girl while she was walking to school near Briarwood Drive and North Avenue.

The man asked the girl if she wanted a ride, Mendoza said. When the girl said no, the man told her to get in his car, prompting her to run to West Elementary, where she attends school.

Mendoza described the suspect as 30 to 40 years old, with dark brown hair and tan skin. Authorities do not believe there were any witnesses, Mendoza said.

District 47 sent an instant alert to parents about the incident at 9:30 a.m. Thursday, Mendoza said, adding that the girl appears to be OK.

"She's fine," Mendoza said. "She's back at school."