Police search for suspect in child-abduction attempt

There was an attempted abduction of a Seventh Street Elementary School student on Thursday morning, according to a letter written by Oil City Area School District Superintendent Lynda Weller and posted on the district's website.

Weller's letter said the abduction attempt took place at the intersection of East Seventh Street and Central Avenue. 

Upon the student's arrival at school, the student informed Seventh Street Elementary Principal Amy Highfield of the incident and Oil City police were immediately notified.

The perpetrator, police said in a news release, attempted to lure the child into a vehicle before exiting the vehicle and grabbing the student by her arm. She escaped and made it safely to school.

"Police do have some video, but it is not very good," Oil City Police Chief Cory Ruditis said.

Police described the suspect as a younger, white male who was driving a black truck or SUV.

Ruditis asked that anyone in the area of Seventh Street and Central Avenue who has surveillance cameras to check them and share footage with police.

"The attempted abduction happened around 10:20 a.m.," Ruditis said. In addition, anyone along Central Avenue up to its intersection with Seventh Street who has cameras is also asked to check their cameras as well, for at this point police do not know if the suspect followed the girl for multiple blocks.

Residents with surveillance footage may call police, bring it to the police department or send it to police via email, Ruditis said.

A be-on-the-lookout notification (BOLO) has been put out to all surrounding police departments, and neighboring school districts have been made aware of the incident, according to Ruditis.

Anyone with information or tips is being asked to share them with police at 814-678-3080.

Weller's letter also encouraged parents to speak to their children about the importance of avoiding close contact or interactions with strangers in vehicles or afoot. 

"I am proud of the way the student reacted, she did a great job of getting away and informing me immediately." Highfield said. 

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