Boy, 12, escapes kidnapping attempt in Southfield

A 12-year-old boy escaped an attempted kidnapping Tuesday afternoon on his way home from school, according to Southfield police.

The student was walking home from Thompson Middle School when he was approached around 4:30 p.m. by two suspects in a black Dodge Ram pickup, officials said in a statement Wednesday.

"The driver lowered the window and told the victim to get in the truck. The victim refused," police said. "The passenger then got out of the truck and grabbed the victim’s collar. The victim was able to pull away and run home."

The incident happened on Southwood near Sherfield, in the area of 10 Mile and Greenfield. The school is located less than a half mile away at 16300 Lincoln. Police did not disclose where the boy lives.

The victim told authorities he had seen the truck in the area several times within the last week. The four-door pickup is described as a black Dodge Ram with black rims and a silver Ram logo on the front grille.

Police on Wednesday released images of an unrelated vehicle that resembles the one involved in the abduction attempt.

The truck driver is described by police as a man in his 40s with short black hair and a mustache. He was wearing a red and black checkered jacket, officials said.

The passenger, who allegedly grabbed the boy, is a man who was wearing a black or gray jacket and blue jeans with a hole in the knee. He had a ski mask over his face, so no further description was available about his age or hair color.

Southfield police are conducting additional patrols in school zones and surrounding neighborhoods during the investigation into this incident.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Southfield Police Department at 248-796-5500.

hfournier@detroitnews.com

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@HollyPFournier