Police are looking for a man in connection with an attempted abduction of an eight-year-old girl outside a Downsview elementary school on Friday.
Officers responded to a call near Blaydon Public School just before 9 p.m. after reports of a suspicious incident in the Downsview neighbourhood.
It was reported that the girl was walking around 3:30 p.m. when she was approached by a strange man.
The man allegedly grabbed her, covered her mouth with his hand and dragged her around 60 meters to an SUV, police say.
Officers said that the man tried to force her into the vehicle, but she was able to break free and run away.
“As far as I am aware she is fine. She didn’t suffer any significant injury," Const. David Hopkinson said. “She is probably very shaken up, very afraid."
The suspect is described to be white, skinny, around 40 to 50 years old, and to have short grey hair. According to police, he was wearing a pink and blue t-shirt and grey sweatpants with black dress shoes.
The vehicle that is believed to belong to the suspect is a red Mazda CX-5, which was captured on security camera footage.
“I believe there were other people around or nearby,” Hopkinson said. “I believe the attack happened very quickly."
"We are hoping someone saw something strange, maybe him driving in the area, maybe him driving away.”
The Toronto District School Board said they have been made aware of the incident and will be "reviewing street proofing tips with students on Monday."
The school board will also be sending a letter home to parents.
Police are urging anyone with information to contact them or to reach out to Crime Stoppers anonymously.
