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Police Seeking Man Who Reportedly Tried To Kidnap Girl, 13, In Boyle Heights

BOYLE HEIGHTS (CBS) — Investigators are asking for the public's help in finding a man who reportedly tried to kidnap a 13-year-old girl.

Police said the girl was walking home at about 2 p.m. Tuesday from Hollenbeck Middle School when the suspect stopped her.

He reportedly blocked her path and asked, "What is your name? Do you need a job? How old are you? You're beautiful. I love your lips."

Police said she spoke briefly to the suspect and then walked way. The suspect got into his car, which was parked on the northeast corner of Fourth and State streets.

As the victim continued walking east on Fourth Street toward Boyle Avenue, the suspect drove alongside her and continued to ask if she needed a ride. The suspect then drove past the victim and turned north onto Pecan Street.

Boyle Heights Attempted Kidnapping Suspect
(credit: CBS)

When the victim reached Pecan Street, she saw the car parked near the entrance to the Hollywood (101) Freeway.

This time the suspect waved cash and yelled, "Here, you want money?" as she crossed Pecan Street.

"Just leave me alone," she yelled back.

The suspect then drove up to the victim, got out of the car, grabbed the girl by the shoulders and tried to force her into the back seat of his car.

She fought off the suspect and ran to a nearby market for help.

She sustained bruises to her back shoulder and legs.

The suspect was described as 35-45 years old, about 5-feet-9-inches tall, with short cut hair, a pock-marked face and a tattoo of a dragon or snake on his left forearm. He was wearing a blue short-sleeve dress shirt, black pants and black dress shoes.

The car may have been a black, four-door sedan, possibly a Mercedes-Benz. Anyone with information on the kidnapping attempt was asked to call (323) 342-8993.

(©2012 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Wire services contributed to this report.)

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