Attempted abduction reported in northwest Kansas

COLBY, Kan. (KSNW) – The Colby Police Department and Thomas County Sheriff are investigating after receiving reports of an attempted abduction in Colby.

Law enforcement was notified Tuesday about the incident that reportedly happened Sunday between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. It happened near the intersection of South Garfield and West Ash.

Two young girls reported being approached by a man in a black and red SUV, possibly an early 2000s model Chevy Suburban. The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office says the man tried to lure the girls into going with him to get ice cream.

The girls ran away to a nearby park, with the suspect following them for two blocks. Witnesses saw the suspect watch where the girls went and then leave on Mission Ridge Avenue.

Investigators believe the man used alleys to enter and possibly exit the neighborhood. No arrests have been made, but the sheriff’s office and Colby police will increase their presence in residential areas and areas frequented by children.

The suspect is described as a white male around 30 years old with blue eyes and no visible facial hair. He was believed to be wearing a blue or black hoodie with the hood up, blue or dark blue jeans, and a partial face covering.

The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office says if you witness anything unusual, your children report anything out of the ordinary, or you have a concern, contact the Colby Police Department at 785-460-4460 or the Thomas County Sheriff’s Office at 785-460-4570 .

The Thomas County Sheriff’s Office says the incident is a strong reminder to parents to talk to their children about the dangers of talking to strangers. The National Crime Prevention Council has a guide for parents on talking to their children about stranger danger.

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