Suspected Kidnapper Tries Luring 13-Year-Old Into his Car Near DePaul University Campus

CHICAGO - Police alerted residents Thursday about a Wednesday evening attempted kidnapping in Lincoln Park, where a man tried coaxing a 13-year-old into his vehicle.

Described as a Hispanic man with short, black, curly hair closely cropped on the sides, the offender reportedly tried luring the young girl into his gold, two-door brown or gold sedan around 7:10 p.m. in the 1300 block of West Fullerton Avenue — barely west of the DePaul University campus. The victim was walking east on Fullerton Avenue and ignored the man's requests, police said.

She fled and eventually called the cops. Police say the suspect had sideburns, a short beard or goatee, a light complexion, brown eyes and a muscular build. He is believed to between 22 and 30 years old and may stand between 5 feet 10 inches and 6 feet 1 inch tall. He had visible tattoos on his right shoulder as well as a possible piercing in his right ear, police said.

The attempted kidnapper's vehicle was an older model sedan, possible with damage. Detectives did not have a license plate as of Thursday evening.

They reminded residents that afternoon to:

• Be aware of the incident and alert their neighbors;
• Call 911 to report any suspicious people, vehicles or activity in their neighborhoods;
• Avoid letting children walk or play alone;
• Identify safe havens along their children's routes between school and home, such as businesses or trusted neighbors;
• And always teach kids to be aware of their surroundings.

Anyone with information about the crime is asked to call the Bureau of Detectives – Area Central at 312-747-8380.