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9-Year-Old Safe After Attempted Abduction

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) -- Fort Lauderdale Police are looking for a man who reportedly abducted a 9-year-old girl from a busy street and forced her into his car.

Police say the child managed to get away from the man and report the crime to an adult.

"He grabbed her," said Det. Deanna Greenlaw. "He threw her into his vehicle then he attempted to drive away from the area."

Investgiators say he abduction happened just after 1 p.m. Monday afternoon at Northwest 9th Avenue and Northwest 2nd Street. Police are looking for a newer model, white, 4-door Chevy Impala that the victim says the man was driving.

An employee at the Boys and Girls Club near the scene says the girl was headed to the facility and after her encounter with the man went inside the building and asked for help. CBS 4 is told that employees cared for the girl and called her parents and police.

The area surrounding the Boys and Girls Club where the abduction occurred is busy with children out of school and taking part in summer activities.

Parents are concerned about the safety of their children.

"Don't get in cars with strangers, don't talk to strangers, don't take nothing from them," said Sandra Messam. "It's terrible. I hope they get caught too."

An employee at the Club said he's glad the child was able to flee the man.

That's commendable," said Kelvin Harris. "I really give her props her that because most girls would've just gave up and said well if he has candy but she fought her way through it. That's kind of what we teach."

Investigators tell us they are working with the child to create a sketch of the suspect. At this point police have only given us very vague information about what this man might look like.

If you know anything and can help the Fort Lauderdale Police solve this case call Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS.

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