Girl nearly abducted in Woodlawn may have seen another victim, police say

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Police issued a community alert after a man tried to force a girl, 11, into his van in the Englewood neighborhood. The girl escaped.

Police said the girl was walking home from school in the 1000-block of East 63rd Street just after 3:45 p.m. Monday when a masked man grabbed her from behind and tried to push her into the back of a white, full-size van with painted windows.

The victim told police she saw another girl, whom she believed to be around 12 years old, inside the van. That girl was duct-taped at her hands and feet and screaming for help, the victim told police.

"We're cautioning and asking everyone to look in the backyards, the alleys, look on your block. If you notice this van, call 911," community activist Andrew Holmes said.

Officials want parents to stay close to their children.

"You cannot let your child go out unaccompanied. You need to watch your child. Be with your child every second of the day," Alexis Winters said.

"The kids going to school, take those ear plugs out and be aware of your surroundings. When they have to be at school early or when it starts getting dark," Louise McTush said.

The offender was wearing a black ski mask, black long-sleeved shirt and black pants, police said. He is described as an African-American male, about 5'11" with graying hair on his wrist.

Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Area Central detectives at 312-747-8380.