Crime Time

Girl uses pencil's point to thwart kidnap attempt

A 14-year-old girl in Tucker, Ga., escaped being kidnapped Monday night by stabbing one of her would-be abductors with a pencil.

Authorities say the Tucker Middle School student was walking home from dance practice when a black van pulled up and two men tried to grab her. The quick-thinking girl then impaled her pencil into one of the men's arms.

Atlanta TV station WGCL has a full report and video here.

-- Lance Murray

School warns: Man on bike tried to grab girl

Vigilance is urged for parents and their children who attend Lowery Road Elementary because a man on bicycle reportedly tried to grab a student walking home from that school on Tuesday.

Principal Debra Williamson informed parents about the incident in a letter sent home with students on Wednesday.

"Yesterday afternoon a man on a bicycle attempted to grab one of our students as she was walking home from school," the letter states. "Fortunately, she was able to get away and reach home safely."

Staff Writer Diane Smith wrote this report about the incident; safety tips are included.

-- Bill Miller

Man grabs girl after school, report says

Parents of students at Chisholm Trail Intermediate received letters from the Keller school district this week warning of a reported attempted child abduction.

The 11-year-old girl told police a stranger grabbed her arms behind some portable buildings after school Tuesday. She escaped by kicking and screaming.

-- Alex Branch

Pair investigated in abduction attempts near TCU

Fort Worth police are investigating whether two men arrested Saturday in conection with the attempted kidnapping of a woman near the TCU campus might have been involved in other attempted abductions in that area.

Jose Alberto Chavollo, 19, was in the Mansfield Jail facing charges of aggravated kidnapping, evading arrest and possession of a controlled substance. Victor Garcia, 23, was in the Mansfield Jail on Monday on an immigration hold. He also faced a charge of aggravated kidnapping.

-- Lance Murray