Man Sought In Attempted Kidnapping Of Placentia Girl

PLACENTIA (CBSLA.com) — A search is underway for a man who attempted to kidnap a 7-year-old girl at a mobile home park in Placentia, police said Monday.

Brenda Padilla has been the girl's daytime sitter for years and said the girl was riding her scooter just across the street when a man sitting on a bench lunged at the girl but didn't actually see the incident.

When Padilla came around the corner she said the girl's face was ghost white. "She had this panic look on her face."

Police said there were no witnesses, but they are looking for a black man with a distinctive red mohawk. He's described as 5-foot-7 with a thin build. He was last seen wearing a gray sweatshirt and black pants.

"She said someone tried to grab her. When I stepped up, he must have heard me," Padilla said. "I didn't get to see him but he took off she said."

Police said the little girl seemed terrified after the incident but is otherwise OK.