DeKalb police search for man after 12-year-old boy says he was almost kidnapped

Police are investigating a possible attempted kidnapping in DeKalb County on Thursday.

Police are investigating a possible attempted kidnapping in DeKalb County on Thursday.

DeKalb County police are combing through doorbell videos and interviewing students as part of an investigation into a possible attempted kidnapping of a 12-year-old boy.

The child told officers that a man attempted to grab him Thursday morning as he walked to a bus stop in the 4600 block of Post Ridge Trail in unincorporated Lithonia, DeKalb police said in a news release.

The child said a man got out of a four-door sedan and tried to grab his arm, the release said. The boy ran away unharmed, rode his bus to school and immediately told school officials about what happened.

Nikisha Jones-Pate, the child’s mother, told Channel 2 Action News that she wants the man off the streets as soon as possible.

“I am a mother bear. I am vicious about my kids,” she said. “You touched the wrong kid.”

She added that her son went to school instead of running home because he was worried the man would follow him and learn where he lives, Channel 2 reported. Before the man drove off, Jones-Pate said he told her son, “I’ll be back.”

The suspect was described as being in his 20s to 30s with a rose tattoo on one of his hands, the release said. He also was wearing all black and had a dark blonde beard, police said.

“Parents please encourage your children to be aware and alert of their surroundings and to tell an adult if they see someone or something suspicious,” the release said.

Anyone with information is asked to call 911 or contact DeKalb police at 770-724-7850.

Tipsters can remain anonymous, and be eligible for rewards of up to $2,000, by contacting Crime Stoppers Atlanta at 404-577-8477, texting information to 274637 or visiting the Crime Stoppers website.

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