Orange County deputies are on the lookout after a 12-year-old girl says a man tried to abduct her on the way home from school.
It happened around 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Oaks at Powers Park subdivision, located at Powers and Ruthie drives in the Pine Hills community.
Deputies said her courage helped her escape.
"Jumped her from behind, grabbing on to her,” said Lt. Paul Hopkins from the Orange County Sheriff’s Office. “She was able to fight her way through his hold and run away on foot.”
Officials said the girl was slightly injured trying to get the man off. However, she did get away and called for help.
Deputies searched the area, but were unable to locate the suspect. Forensic teams were called out to do their own investigation of the scene.
Deputies spoke with the girl Tuesday night and said she is expected to be OK.
The girl described her attacker as a dark-skinned man in his 30s.
He is approximately 6 feet 4 inches with a thin build and wearing a dark shirt. He had a pointed goatee and tattoos on his right arm.
If you know anything, call Crimeline at (800) 423-TIPS (8477).