Public's Help Needed To ID Man Who Tried To Abduct Girl

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — Police are asking for the public's help in identifying a male suspect who tried to follow and abduct two teenage girls in Riverside.

On Sept. 21, a female student at La Sierra High School was walking on Collett Avenue around 9:30 a.m. when she was grabbed by an unknown adult male, according to Sgt. Wayne Ramaekers.

"The female student was able to get away from the attacker when a passerby yelled out at the suspect to release her," Ramaekers said.

The girl then ran to the high school and reported the incident to administrators.

On Sept. 26, a second La Sierra High School student reported that she was followed by a man also on Friday, Sept. 21.

The suspect descriptions in both incidents matched, police said.

The suspect is described as a white man, 6 feet to 6 foot 4 inches tall with a thin build, messy dark blonde hair and green eyes. He is believed to be in his early twenties, authorities said.

"He is described as being dirty in appearance with bad acne and crooked teeth," Ramaekers said.

Anyone with information about these incidents is asked to contact Detective Aurelio Melendrez at (951) 353-7119 or Detective Phil Fernandez at (951) 353-7121.