Attempted kidnapping near Shoreline Middle School in Santa Cruz

A 6th grader at Shoreline Middle School in Santa Cruz said a man tried to grab her and get her in his car Thursday morning.

According to the school, a man driving a gold, newer Sedan slowly followed the girl as she walked to school. She was walking alone and the car stopped just as she neared the entrance to the school. The girl said the driver grabbed her wrist and tried to pull her in. The girl was able to break free and run into the school.

Two deputies with the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office responded. The Sheriff’s Office also increased patrols at all schools in the Live Oak School District at dismissal time Thursday.

The principal of Shoreline Middle School is encouraging parents to talk to their kids about these types of incidents. She is also encouraging students to be alert and not walk to school alone or engage with strangers.