Child attacked near elementary school in Placentia, police say

PLACENTIA, Calif. (FOX 11) - Police are searching for a man who allegedly attacked a third grade student as he was walking home from his Placentia elementary school Thursday afternoon.

The incident reportedly happened after school around 2:30 p.m. near Sierra Vista Elementary where the student attends. The suspect, described as a dark-skinned man in his 20s, approached the student and grabbed his arm, according to police.

The student defended himself, punching and kicking the suspect and even throwing a pencil in his face, according to police.

The suspect allegedly punched the student back and ran away.

The student suffered minor injuries and was released back to his parents.

In a letter to parents, the principal of Sierra Vista Elementary praised the student and said the "boy did everything right, he pulled away and ran back to school."

The male suspect was described by police as having black, short combed hair and an unshaven face. He was seen wearing a light blue t-shirt, black jeans, and black and white tennis shoes.

Anyone with information can call the Placentia Police Department at (714) 993-8192.