Police along the Peninsula on Wednesday opened an investigation after a 14-year-old girl reported being almost abducted by a man who approached her in a van and grabbed her, according to San Mateo police.
The teenage girl told police that she was walking to San Mateo High School around 10:30 a.m. when a man in a white utility honked at her along Peninsula Avenue near railroad tracks, police said.
The man hopped out of the vehicle, walked up to the teen and latched on to her shoulder, pulling her toward him, according to police. The girl kicked the man and ran home before calling police.
Police said the man is believed to be in his late 50s or early 60s with an average build. Police reported that he is unshaven and has black and gray hair that is slicked back. He was last seen wearing a gray and blue T-shirt, but police don't know what type of pants he was wearing.
A 16-year-old girl on Wednesday also reported being involved in a similar incident back on Sept. 18, according to police. Authorities are trying to figure out if the events are connected.
The reported incident has police stepping up patrols around city schools and asking parents to remind their children to be aware about their surroundings at all times, stay together in teams as well as be vocal if they are caught in a situation involving an uncomfortable stranger.
Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact 650-522-7700.
