Police Investigate 2 Attempted Abductions Outside North Philadelphia Elementary School
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- School officials are on high alert.
On Monday, Bethune Elementary School sent out a letter to parents about an incident that took place that morning.
The letter just states a man approached and grabbed two students but they managed to get away.
What it doesn't mention are the frightening details surrounding the attempted abduction.
This is the second time in less than a week that a man with a partial ski mask grabbed a child.
Sources tell CBS 3 that the first luring attempt took place Friday.
A 10-year-old girl was grabbed by the arm. She kicked the suspect and was able to get away and run into the school seeking help.
On Monday morning, police believe the same man approached a group of students as they walked to school.
This time the man attempted to grab a young boy, but a friend began throwing rocks at the abductor, who then let go. And then the man attempted to grab a little girl by the hair, luckily she was able to break free.
Eyewitness News has learned that police have identified a suspect and obtained an arrest warrant.
Tuesday night, police sources tell CBS 3 they are searching for 36-year-old Tyrone Ferguson.
A parent Mildred DuPree says, "Children should be able to come to school in peace and whoever is doing that should be ashamed of themselves."
Some parents say the school should have security patrolling the area on a regular basis.
Akeleh Brent says,"We let our kids come thinking they are safe and there is no one out here to watch them."
They're now reminding their children what to do if a stranger approaches them.
"Scream, holler, yell and get to the closest place possible."
Felicia Jones adds, "I just tell my daughter don't talk to nobody, if you see a stranger don't talk to them at all."