Family foils kidnapping in O.C. park
Orange County sheriff’s deputies continued searching Sunday for a man witnesses said had tried to kidnap a mentally disabled girl after she wandered away from a softball game in Fountain Valley.
The man was leading the 10-year-old out of Mile Square Regional Park at about 4:30 p.m. Saturday when he was stopped by friends and relatives of the girl, authorities said.
The child, who has Down syndrome, had wandered away from a softball game her family was watching. Her relatives and friends started searching for her, saw her walking with the man and called out her name. The suspect fled into the crowded park, deputies said. Deputies were unable to find the man after that and resumed the search Sunday.
The girl was unhurt.
Deputies described the suspect as a Latino in his 30s, about 5 feet 10 with dark hair. He was wearing a green cap and gray and white jacket.
Anyone with information is asked to call (714) 647-7419 or (714) 647-1832.
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