A man allegedly grabbed a 13-year-old girl and tried to drag her away as she walked home from a Beaverton bus stop on Oct. 28.
The girl fought back, broke free and ran to safety. The suspect has not been found, and Beaverton police are asking anyone with information to call 503-526-2280 and reference case No. 26-3011155.
The incident on SW Murray Boulevard was first reported by KGW. The girl, a Beaverton School District student, was the last person off her school bus around 4:30 p.m. She noticed a man standing near a vacant residence at 5135 SW Murray Blvd. as she walked by.
As she passed the property, the man allegedly approached from behind, grabbed her and tried to drag her away, according to police. She screamed and struggled.
She broke free. She ran to the Stone Creek Apartments office at 5005 SW Murray Blvd. and reported the attack to the apartment manager, who called 911. Police responded at about 4:39 p.m.
Beaverton Police Department Public Information Officer Matt Henderson told KGW the suspect appeared deliberate. "He was truly trying to drag her to this location," Henderson said.
Henderson said the girl managed to get away at one point, but the suspect re-engaged and tried to grab her again. She ultimately escaped and reached the apartment office.
Officers with a K-9 searched the area that evening, including the vacant home, but did not locate the suspect. As of Oct. 30, no arrest had been announced.
Police described the suspect as a Black man, approximately 6 feet tall, with a medium-length beard. He was wearing a cream-colored T-shirt at the time of the alleged attack.
Henderson called the incident unusual for the community and said police consider the suspect a danger. The Beaverton Valley Times also reported on the case.
The Beaverton School District confirmed the girl was a district student. Police and school district officials urged parents to emphasize personal safety with their children, including walking with friends and reporting suspicious behavior.
Henderson said families should take extra precautions during Halloween weekend. "If you have a young child, go with your child. I don't care if it's not cool," he said.
Separately, the Beaverton School District's personal safety resources page offers standing tips for families, such as walking routes with children, pointing out safe places and teaching kids to trust their instincts.
Anyone with information about this incident can contact the Beaverton Police Department at 503-526-2280, referencing case No. 26-3011155.
