Stranger Tries to Lure Child into Car in Oakland Hills

Bay City News--Police are looking for a man who attempted to kidnap a 9-year-old boy by luring him with candy into a nearby vehicle in Oakland on Monday.

Around 12:30 p.m., the boy was playing outside on the 2300 block of Arrowhead Drive when a stranger approached with candy and tried to lure him into a vehicle, police said.

The boy refused to go with the stranger, who then grabbed the child by his arm. The boy was able to escape and run into his home, where he told his parents what had happened, police said.

The child did not see a vehicle, but was able to give police a detailed description of the suspect, described as an African-American male in his 30s, 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighing 160 pounds. He has a medium complexion, short black hair and a light mustache.

At the time of the incident, the suspect is believed to have been wearing a dark green and brown long-sleeved shirt and dirty shoes.

Officers are investigating the incident and Oakland Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of $2,500 for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this case.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Oakland Police Department's Youth and Family Service Division at 510-238-3641 or the tip line at 510-637-0298.

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