A Lakeview High School student was targeted in an apparent abduction attempt as she walked to class Monday morning, police said. No one is in custody and the victim was not injured.
The 15-year-old girl said she was walking in the 1000 block of West Montrose when a gray sedan pulled up next to her around 7 a.m., according to the police department’s office of news affairs.
Police said the driver told the girl to get into the car and the passenger tried to push her into the vehicle. The student escaped and reported the incident when she arrived on campus.
The driver and passenger were both described by police as black men between 20- and 30-years-old. In an email to parents this morning, Lakeview Principal Paul Karafiol said the offenders were strangers to the student.
Here is the entire statement to parents that Karafiol released today:
Dear Lake View Families,
The safety of your children is always our top priority, which is why we must inform you of an incident involving one of our students.
Earlier this week, a student was approached by a stranger who attempted to force them into a vehicle. This incident happened about a mile away from our school, and the student escaped the situation unharmed. The student reported the incident to school officials immediately upon arriving to school, and we alerted both the Chicago Police Department and CPS Office of Safety and Security.
Because many of our students travel from so far away, it’s important to remember the following:
Students should never enter a vehicle driven by a stranger.
If a student feels uncomfortable or threatened in any way, they should go into the nearest business or populated area and call for help.
Students are encouraged to travel together, especially before sunrise or after dark.
While having a phone can help in a crisis, students should use their phones judiciously and stay alert to their surroundings.
We will continue to work with Chicago Police and our security team to take extra precautions to promote the safety of our children.
I encourage you to contact the school directly with any questions or concerns.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Paul J. Karafiol
Principal
