GALVESTON — Galveston police are investigating an attempted kidnapping that took place Monday morning near the city’s East End.

At around 6:58 a.m., officers responded to Central Middle School after staff reported that a student walking to school had been approached and grabbed by an unknown man. The 13-year-old student told police she was walking from her family’s East End apartment when she heard footsteps behind her near the 900 block of 28th Street.

According to the student, the man grabbed her from behind, but she was able to break free after biting the assailant twice and ran straight to the school. She was not physically injured during the incident.

Teachers immediately contacted police, who then alerted local medical facilities to watch for anyone seeking treatment for bite-related injuries. After the student’s parents arrived, officers accompanied them back to the apartment and retraced her route to pinpoint where the incident occurred.

Investigators obtained security footage from a business on the 1000 block of 24th Street. The video shows the student walking through the area, followed shortly by a man. Police describe the suspect as a White or Hispanic male wearing a black short-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, and what appeared to be a ski mask.

Authorities are asking the public for help in identifying the suspect. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Galveston Police Department at 409-765-3777 or submit anonymous tips to Galveston County Crime Stoppers at 409-763-8477 or online at www.galveston.crimestoppersweb.com.

Photo credit: Galveston PD