A middle schooler in Texas is being praised after fighting off an attempted kidnapping. As the girl walked to school alone, she suddenly sensed that something was off. When a man got close enough to grab her, the girl didn’t hesitate to defend herself, and her quick thinking likely saved her life. Now, police are looking for the man and have everyone in the town on high alert to keep themselves safe.
The attempted kidnapping took place in the early morning on October 27, 2025, according to a news release from the Galveston Police Department. Police received a call about 6:50 a.m. and sent officers to Central Middle School to investigate after a teacher called to report a student was approached by a strange man while walking to school.
Police officers spoke with the 13-year-old girl, who told them she was walking alone from her family’s home in East End. “As she was walking, she heard footsteps approaching from behind,” the news release read.
“The student reported that a man grabbed her from behind,” the release continued. “After a brief struggle, during which the young victim bit the assailant twice, she managed to break free and ran directly to Central Middle School.”
Thankfully, the girl was not hurt during the attempted kidnapping. After she told her teachers what happened, they called police.
The girl’s parents were called to the school, and when they got there, they took police back to their apartment. They retraced the girl’s steps to pinpoint exactly where the incident happened. While they were canvassing, they obtained video footage showing the girl walking through, quickly followed by a man walking the same path.
“The suspect appears to be a White or Hispanic male wearing a black short-sleeve shirt, blue jeans and what appeared to be a ski mask,” the release reads. “Galveston police are requesting the public’s help in identifying the suspect” and have issued an alert “to local medical facilities to notify police if anyone sought treatment for bite-related injuries.”
As of October 28, police had yet to share any additional updates, the Houston Chronicle reported. Those who have any information are encouraged to call the Galveston Police Department at 409-765-3777 or submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers online or via phone at 409-763-8477.
