Teen Says Would-Be Abductor Called Out: ‘Hey, Beautiful, Need a Ride?’

A man made a forcible but failed attempt to kidnap a 17-year-old girl in a Spring Valley residential neighborhood Thursday morning, fleeing along with a cohort after she managed to break free and escape, authorities reported.

The girl was walking near the intersection of Kenwood Drive and Campo Road in Spring Valley about 10:45 a.m. when the would-be abductor and another man drove up alongside her in a burgundy older-model four-door sedan, according to sheriff’s officials.

One of the occupants of the car reportedly called out,  “Hey, beautiful, need a ride?”

After the girl declined the offer, the passenger, a stocky man who appeared to be in his 40s got out, grabbed her and tried to pull her toward the vehicle.

She was able to fight him off and run away, and the assailant got back in the sedan and was driven off to the west, toward a Wendy’s restaurant, authorities said.

The victim, who suffered minor injuries in the struggle, described the man who grabbed her as black and about 5 feet 8 inches tall, with short hair and acne scars.

He was unshaven and wearing black nylon sweat pants, a black shirt and a dark-colored denim jacket.

The victim did not have a detailed description of the driver.

Anyone with information about this case can call the Sheriff's Department non-emergency line at (858) 565-5200. You can remain anonymous and be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Call Crime Stoppers at (888)580-8477.

—City News Service contributed to this report.