Police warn of attempted abduction

CARMEL, Ind. (WISH) - The Carmel Police are alerting the public to an attempted abduction that occurred Tuesday evening.

Police received a complaint that around 6 p.m. a suspicious van drove by a 14-year-old girl in the area of Keystone Way near an MCL Cafeteria. The driver of the van said to the girl, “Come here. Get in.”

The girl yelled no and ran away. Police say the van did not attempt to follow or approach her.

The van is described as a dark blue or black van that appeared “junky.” The driver was an older, white male with a gray beard and “fat face.”

Carmel Police want to remind parents to talk with their children about personal safety. They have provided the following tips:

• Don't play in deserted areas
• Stay with your mom or dad in public places or use the buddy system. Play, walk, bike and skate with a friend.
• If you are out somewhere with an adult and you lose them, don't go looking for them. If you are in a store, go to the cashier or security guard and ask for help. If you can't find a cashier or security guard and you are in trouble, look for a woman with small children for help.
• Stay alert and trust your instincts. If something doesn't feel right, like you think someone is following you, you are probably right.
• If you think someone is following you, cross the street and go into a store. Tell a police officer or a mother with a child. Don't try to hide – go to where you know you can find other people.
• If someone tries to grab you, kick, punch and yell: "No! I don't know you!"
• If the person is in a car, stay as far away from the car as you can. Go into a store or turn around, and walk or run in the opposite direction the car is going.
• Never hitchhike or accept a ride from someone. Don't go near a stranger's car. Never get into a car with someone you don't know, for any reason. Sometimes people use tricks – like saying your mom is hurt, or they lost their dog or kitten – to try and get you to go with them. Do not go with them!
• If someone does manage to get you in their car, do not put on your seat belt. Jump out when you see people and the car has to make a stop.