Police said the girl, who attends Springman Middle School, had just gotten off the bus at Milwaukee Avenue and Kennicott Lane when a man grabbed her. Police said the man struggled with the girl and forced her to the ground; she was able to hit the suspect and run away.
The man then fled the scene in an SUV, police said.
Investigators described the suspect as a white or Hispanic man with facial hair wearing a black shirt, black jacket, yellow pants and white beanie-style cap.
The high school district sent out an email to parents alerting them to the incident and sharing a description of the suspect.
"There could have been students and families that didn't know about this incident so it really was our obligation to help communicate that to families," said Carol Smith, District 225 spokesperson.
The middle school district officials sent a similar note, adding, "We know this is an unsettling, concerning situation for our community. For students who have heard this news and may be anxious, our student services teams will be available for support in all buildings."
Glenview police said they had a person of interest in custody Tuesday afternoon. They did not release any further details.