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OREM -- Police are investigating a report of an attempted kidnapping in Orem Tuesday afternoon. The fast- thinking 11-year-old girl was able to get away because her mom had taught her what to do.
The girl's mother, Heather, says she started early with her daughter, going over what to do in all kinds of dangerous situations. But she never thought her daughter would actually have to use those lessons.
The 11-year-old girl told officers she was walking to her babysitter's house after school, and the man was walking behind her. He sped up to catch up with her at about 12th North and 600 West.
I would just be lost without her, so I'm very proud of her; very proud.
–Heather, victim's mother
"Some guy just came up and grabbed her from behind and covered her mouth and picked her up," Heather said.
The girl fought back, kicking until she made contact with the attacker and he dropped her. The man chased after her, she told officers, but took off when she ran into a familiar cul-de-sac and into the house of someone she knows.
"I would just be lost without her, so I'm very proud of her; very proud," Heather said.
Meanwhile, police hope all parents teach their kids how to fight back and how to get help in case they are faced with a similar situation.
"Just fight, scream. Don't just go willingly and easily with them," said Orem Police Sgt. Todd Ferre.
Police said the man is described as Caucasian, in his early to mid-20s, with a thin muscular build, wearing a brown shirt and blue jeans.
Anyone with information about the incident should call Orem police dispatch at 801-229-7070.
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Written byAmy Joi O'Donoghue and Sarah Dallof.
