Montebello PD asks for public's help after man seen grabbing child

MONTEBELLO, Calif. - Investigators in Montebello are asking the public for help locating a young girl and a man that were seen near a school under suspicious circumstances to determine if a crime was committed.

The Montebello Police Department says a witness walking her granddaughter to Washington Elementary School in the 400 block of N. Maple Avenue saw an unknown man grab a child by the mouth and waist. The incident happened at about 8 a.m. Thursday.

The child screamed, “Let go of me,” and, “mom!” according to authorities.

The witness was able to report what she saw to a school volunteer before returning to the area of Maple Avenue, but by that time, the man and child were gone.

All absent female students from both Washington Elementary and Montebello Intermediate schools were accounted for, police said.

The child was described as Hispanic with dark hair, approximately 9 to 11 years old wearing a red and black hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans and a black backpack.

The man was described as Hispanic, possibly in his 30s, with dark skin, a thin build with short hair and light-colored highlights, with a goatee and wearing a grey sweater and blue jeans with torn knees in them.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Montebello Police Department at 323-887-1313.