Parents warned after attempted kidnapping of toddler in Bucktown park

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Parents are being warned after a man tried to abduct a child Thursday morning near Walsh Park in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood.

Police said around 10:30 a.m. Thursday, a woman who lives near Walsh Park reported that a man approached her son on the sidewalk, stared at him for a few seconds and then reached out to grab him. The woman said she yelled at the man to get away before he backed off, apologized and walked away.

The Gardner School of Bucktown, a preschool, is just down the street from the park. School officials said the child's mother reported the incident to them and they promptly notified parents. The school also said it is working with authorities regarding information about the suspect. In the meantime, they are keeping children inside. Teachers normally walk the kids to the park right past where the incident occurred, but they said they are being extra cautious since the child was approached.

"It's just common sense to keep your kids by you and close to you and when you're at the park you're watching them closely all the time," said resident Aly Daker.

Walsh Park is a big attraction as kids enjoy their last days of summer vacation, and the 606 Trail runs along the park as well. Some parents said they're not going to let a possible threat from a stranger force them inside.

"It just reminds parents, you know, pay attention to your children and just be aware of what's going on around you," said Jeannette Sribastaba, who lives in the neighborhood.

Police said they do not yet have a description of the suspect.