The Summit County Sheriff’s Office is seeking information on a suspect who reportedly tried to abduct a young girl in the Trailside area last Friday night.
According to a press statement issued on Monday, the Sheriff’s Office got a call on the night of Aug. 14, at about 8:45 p.m., from the parents of a 13-year-old girl. They said she had not returned home after missing a bus pick-up in the Trailside neighborhood shortly before 7 p.m.
Deputies searched several areas in the Basin. About 40 minutes after the initial call, the girl’s mother reported she had been found at a friend’s home.
Reportedly, while waiting at the bus stop, the girl was approached by an adult white male in his 30s, wearing a face covering, who forced her onto a dirt trail and made her remove some clothing and give up her phone. The suspect said he had a gun but didn’t brandish a weapon. He kicked dirt and rocks at her, then quickly left the area on foot.
The man was also described as wearing a gray hoodie with a zipper, a black hat and dark pants.
Deputies are following any available leads but haven’t identified a suspect. The press statement said the case appears to be an isolated incident, and they don’t believe there is any immediate threat to the public.
They are asking anyone who was in the Trailside area on Friday, between 6:30 and 8:30 p.m., to call investigators with any information at 435-615-3601.
The press statement also asks parents to educate their children about stranger danger. When children are approached by people they don’t know, they should scream and yell to get attention. They also ask parents to have their minor children travel with a friend or adult, and report people or vehicles that are suspicious.
