BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – Buffalo Police are investigating a possible attempted abduction involving a 13-year-old girl.
The incident occurred Monday morning at about 6:45 a.m. near Massachusetts Avenue and Columbus Parkway.
Central District officers say a 13-year-old girl was waiting at a bus stop when a black, four-door vehicle pulled up. Police say three black males jumped out of the vehicle and began chasing her.
Her mother told us over the phone the men grabbed her pulling on her clothes, ripping them.
“She was able to run away and get to a friend’s house where eventually police were called,” said B-District Chief Joseph Gramaglia. “We’ve continued investigating from that point.”
A neighbor told News 4 that police were asking to see her surveillance video to see if it captured what could’ve been an attempted abduction.
The girl is a student at the Charter School for Applied Technologies. School officials said that they weren’t made aware of the report until Tuesday afternoon. They have sent out notifications to parents in the surrounding area, warning them to talk to their children about stranger danger.
Less than two weeks ago there was another incident a mile away at Massachusetts and West Ferry. According to police, two 14 year old girls said they were approached by a man asking for personal information.
“We have nothing to confirm a connection with what happened several weeks ago,” said Chief Gramaglia.
Anyone with information is asked to call or text the Buffalo police TIPCALL line at (716)847-2255.
Buffalo Police have now investigated more than five stranger-danger reports this year.
“This can happen in any area, it could happen here on the West Side, in North Buffalo,” said Common Council Member David Rivera.
The two most recent incidents happened in his district. He said it’s alarming and a reminder to parents to prepare their kids.
“You say no, you run, you yell and you tell,” Rivera explained.
Buffalo Police told News 4 they will be patrolling the West Side on Wednesday morning.
