With a punch to the face, a Grade 12 student managed to fight off a man who tried to abduct her as she walked along 32 Avenue in Aldergrove on Wednesday afternoon.
Langley RCMP are now appealing for the public's help in finding the would-be abductor who they describe as a pale-faced Caucasian aged 28 to 30. The suspect has a skinny build, sunken cheeks, and short brown hair. He was wearing a white T-Shirt featuring a steering wheel and black bird design.
Cpl. Holly Marks said that the incident unfolded shortly before 1 p.m. as the girl walked along 32 Avenue near 272 Street. A man in a red pickup truck approached the Aldergrove Community Secondary School student and asked if she needed a ride.
She said no.
"A short time later, further east on 32 Avenue, he parked his vehicle, exited and moved towards the complainant who attempted to run," Marks said.
The man was able to grab her arm but released it when the girl punched him in the face.
The man then returned to his vehicle and drove off.
The truck which police are looking for is described as a 1998 to 2000 Dodge Dakota pickup, fire engine red with a matching canopy with tinted windows.
The student observed some rust on the running board behind the front passenger wheel. The truck had chrome bumpers and there was a decal or emblem on the passenger side tailgate. The girl also noticed a silver chain with an angel on it hanging from the rear view mirror.
Marks said that police are working with the student to create a composite drawing of the suspect. She added that police will also study footage from traffic cameras in the area in the hope that it will identify the truck and the driver.
Anyone with information is asked to call Langley RCMP at 604 532-3200.