Hesperia teen breaks free from would-be kidnapper

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Hesperia investigators are searching for a man who attempted to kidnap a 16-year-old girl as she walked to school Monday morning, officials said.

Shortly before 7 a.m., Deputy Frank Hardin and Hesperia School Police officers met the girl in the area of Sultana Street and I Avenue where she reported a man had tried to pull her into a white pick up truck, according to a press release.

The teen was walking to Sultana High School when she noticed the truck pull up beside her. The man driving the truck began talking to her, reports indicate.

At one point, the driver got out of his vehicle and grabbed the girl. She managed to get away and call for help.

The unidentified man drove off toward Orange Street on Sultana Street, officials said.

The vehicle is described as a late 1990 or early 2000s smaller, white pick up truck. The license plate began either 8O or 8Q and ended in 409, according to reports.

The driver is described as a Hispanic man, standing about 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighing about 160 to 180 pounds. He was unshaven and was wearing a white, short-sleeved shirt.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hesperia station at (760) 947-1500 or call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Beatriz E. Valenzuela may be reached at 951-6276 or at BValenzuela@VVDailyPress.com.