Boy, 11, fights off would-be abductor in Azusa, police say
An 11-year-old boy fought off a man who tried to force him into a van Monday in Azusa, police said.
The boy was heading home from a family gathering in the 300 block of North San Gabriel Avenue when, at about 9 p.m., a van stopped in front of him, according to the Azusa Police Department.
A man who was in the van’s passenger seat exited the vehicle, grabbed the boy from behind and attempted to pull him inside, police said. The boy was able to fight the man off and escape without injury.
The van was last seen heading south on San Gabriel Avenue from Third Street.
The man was described as 20 to 40 years old, with a shaved head and short sideburns, a moustache and goatee. He was wearing dark clothing.
The van was a dark-colored, older model, police said. There was no description of the driver.
Anyone with details about the incident was urged to call the Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (626) 812-3200.
For breaking news in Los Angeles and throughout California, follow @VeronicaRochaLA. She can be reached at veronica.rocha@latimes.com.
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