Girl, 9, Reports Abduction Attempt Near Pleasant Hill Elementary School

Winfield Police responded to , 1N 220 Pleasant Hill Road, Winfield, Wednesday morning after a girl reported suspicious activity and an attempted child abuction around 9 a.m., according to a press release from the Village of Winfield.

According to the release, a man in a blue sedan asked a nine-year-old girl, "Hey, do you want a ride to school?" when she was walking on Enders Lane and crossing the street on her way to school. She began walking faster, toward a home and the man repeated the question. The girl then ran to school and reported the incident.

Police searched of the area and determined that the vehicle and driver had already left the neighborhood, prior to police response.

The man is described as dark-skinned, possibly Hispanic, with short, dark, "slicked back" hair and no distinguishing features or accent, according to the release. The vehicle is a blue, mid-size sedan.

In a letter to parents, Pleasant Hill Principal Heidi Fitch wrote that in partnership with local police departments, "we would ask that you please remind your children to report to you, their teachers or the school of any situations or people that are out of the ordinary, suspicious or frightening."

She included the following recommended safety guidelines for parents to review with their children:

• Always walk in groups
• Be aware of your surroundings
• Never approach an unknown vehicle or talk to strangers
• If approached by a stranger, don't speak or make eye contact and then run home or away to a place of safety
• Report any strange incidents to a responsible adult as soon as possible

The public is asked to report any suspicious persons, vehicles or activity or additional information to the Winfield Police Department at 630-933-7160.

Click to sign up for the Wheaton Patch newsletter