Messmer High School President reacts to attempted abduction near the school

An investigation is underway after an attempted abduction of a Messmer student on Friday.

The incident occurred at about 7:20 a.m. on 7th Street not far from Messmer High School, according to Principal Shenora Jordan.

“It’s a traumatizing thing. Nobody should go through that," Messmer High School President, Jim Piatt said.

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The school said someone tried to abduct the student by picking her up. The student's sibling was present and helped fend off the suspect.

“The older sibling helped fight them off, very brave, quick thinking on her feet, he fled thankfully," Piatt said.

Watch: Messmer High School President speaks out after attempted abduction near the school

'It's a traumatizing thing': Local reaction to attempted abduction near Messmer High School

Both girls then ran for help and alerted the principal.

"It’s completely unacceptable that young people can’t walk to school safely. And that there are adults that mean them harm," Piatt explained.

Parents picking up their kids from school expressed that same concern to TMJ4's Megan Lee. Many parents told Lee off-camera that they will be driving their kids to and from school.

Another parent who doesn't have kids at Messmer still expressed major concern.

“It makes me get like really, I’m not anxious. But you just have to be more aware, especially for little girls. People are crazy out here," Austin Malon-Mitchell said.

He is a father of two. He was playing tennis at the park near where the incident happened.

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“It’s brave, they're lucky. Because you never know how...it’s a man with little girls. It’s a blessing that they’re okay," Malon-Mitchell said.

No injuries were reported, according to Milwaukee Police. MPD is investigating this as "child abuse."

Police are still searching for the suspect.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Milwaukee Police at (414) 935-7252, or to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers at (414) 224-TIPS or P3 Tips.

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