Girl Reports Attempted Kidnapping Near BART Station

A 16-year-old girl told police she escaped the clutches of a kidnapper early Thursday evening, police said.

The girl was walking home from school at about 5 p.m. She told police that she was heading southbound on Union Square toward the BART station when someone grabbed her around her neck and midsection, according to a press release from the .

She freed herself by elbowing the suspect in his crotch and running to a safe location where she later called police.

Prior to the attack, the victim noticed a man standing by himself near the rear parking lot of McDonald’s. The victim told police it was the same man who attempted to grab her.

The suspect was last seen running toward the BART station.

He was described as an African American male, 20 years old, about 5-foot-7 inches tall with a skinny build and goatee.

Anyone with information should contact Detective Y. Shansab at 510-471-1365. Anonymous tips can be left at 510-675-5207 or by e-mailing tips@unioncity.org.