The Polk County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an attempted abduction that occurred Thursday evening in the Grimes area.
At approximately 8:20 p.m., a juvenile was walking with her bicycle near South James Street and Southwest Kennybrook Drive when she was approached by an adult male. The individual initially offered assistance with repairing the bicycle. After the offer was declined, the suspect allegedly attempted to physically detain the juvenile and pull her toward a nearby vehicle.
The juvenile was able to escape the suspect, run to her residence, and notify her parents, who then contacted law enforcement.
The suspect is described as a white male, believed to be in his mid-40s, with brown hair, a beard, and a missing front tooth. He was last seen wearing a Bass Pro-style hat, a black jacket, and a camouflage-patterned shirt.
The vehicle associated with the incident is described as a large black sport utility vehicle equipped with running boards and a damaged windshield wiper.
Deputies responded to the scene shortly after receiving the report and have been actively interviewing witnesses and collecting information as the investigation continues.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office encourages anyone with information related to this incident or the identity of the suspect to contact investigators at 515-286-3333. Anonymous tips may also be submitted through Crime Stoppers at 515-223-1400 or online.
