Police: Man tried to kidnap DeKalb County high school student

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - Police in DeKalb County said they are getting leads in the hunt for a dangerous predator they believe tried to abduct a 14-year-old girl Tuesday as she walked to school, and months earlier harassed other high school girls by offering them rides.

DeKalb County Police released a sketch Wednesday and describe the man as being between 50 and 60 years old with a brown complexion, bald, and about 5’4” tall.

Police said the Miller Grove High School reported around 7:30 in the morning, while walking to school by Hillandale Park Drive, she was forced into a light blue mid-size SUV.

The man drove the girl a short distance before letting her out near the high school unharmed, according to police.

Police said the SUV’s license plate began with "RIH."

 Police in December 2017, three other teenage girls, also students at Miller Grove High School, reported having encountered the man who offered them rides; all the young women refused.

DeKalb County Schools said a statement was released to parents Tuesday night after the ordeal. 

The district provided FOX 5 this statement on behalf of Superintendent R. Stephen Green:

"First, we are grateful our young woman was able to escape without further harm. No young person deserves to be treated so callously, and we are there for her in any way we can be. We are equally resolute in aiding DeKalb police in getting this man off the street. He has no place in our community given the risk he poses to our children. We will continue to educate our students on safe travel to and from school, and how to avoid such evils."

Officers with DeKalb Police have stepped up patrols around the school as students arrive and leave, but also warn parents that students should take precautions and walk to school in groups. 

Anyone with information is asked to call the DeKalb County Police Department Special Victim’s Unit at 770-724-7710.