Police Investigate Several Reported Attempted Abductions This Year In Berks County

SPRING TOWNSHIP, Pa. (CBS) – Police are investigating a reported attempted abduction of an 11-year-old girl in Spring Township, Berks County.

Authorities say the alleged incident occurred Monday afternoon in the area of Belmont Avenue and Wilson Street.

The Wilson School District student reported that while walking home from school, a black-colored SUV type vehicle pulled up next to her and the driver asked her if  she wanted a ride home. The female said she refused and the man continued to drive next to her before coming to a stop.

The girl told police the driver then got out of his vehicle and grabbed her by the left arm.

The student told police she yelled for help and kicked him. She says she was eventually able to break free from his hold and run from the area.

Officials say the vehicle was last seen traveling north on Cecil Avenue. The girl describes the driver as Hispanic male, about six feet tall with a heavy build. She says he had brown medium length hair, a mustache and was wearing a red t-shirt, gray sweatpants and a black tank top and sneakers. She says she saw a skeleton tattoo on his left bicep.

Police notified school officials about the alleged incident and the school district passed along the information to parents.

The incident remains under investigation and police say they are searching the neighborhood for additional information.

Police say this is the fifth attempted luring attempt in Berks County this year and a sixth attempt was reported on Wednesday in Reading.

According to the Reading School District, a student was approaching while waiting for the school bus at Lancaster Avenue and Hoover Street. Officials say the suspect tried to grab the student and possibly expose himself. They add he was driving a green pick up truck.

The school says the student is safe.

Anyone with information is urged to contact police.