WIDEFIELD COLO. -- El Paso County Sheriff's deputies said a man approached a boy on his way to school in the Security-Widefield area Monday morning, grabbing the boy's arm.
Deputies did not say why the man got out of his car and grabbed the boy but said the boy was able to break free and escape unharmed.
The boy was at Caballero Avenue and Grand Peak, just a few blocks from Janitell Junior High where he attends school, when the man pulled up around 6:40 a.m.
The boy did not see a gun but told deputies he thought the man had one based on a comment he made, but deputies did not elaborate further.
"The victim did a very good job of not only keeping himself safe by breaking free and running away and telling someone but was able to get a good description in the meantime," Lt. Jeff Kramer, El Paso County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, said.
"He described the man as approximately 6' tall with a heavy build with a pot belly and also having fat hands," Kramer said.
He was driving a late 90s/early 2000s faded red two-door Pontiac with a license plate that contains the number 6.
Kramer said they are searching the Department of Motor Vehicle's database for possible matches.
He said this is a good time to remind all kids to be safe when walking to and from school.
"These types of things can happen anywhere but I would encourage kids who have to walk to school to not walk alone. Walk with a friend, or even a group of friends would be better," Kramer said.
He also suggested picking well lit routes and said kids should pay attention to their surroundings. He said if they are approached they should follow three simple rules.
"Say no. Get away. And then tell someone."
Anyone with information about Monday's incident is asked to call the Sheriff's Office at 719-390-5555.