Bloomington School District officials have warned parents about the attempted abduction of an elementary student who was approached by a man in a vehicle shortly after stepping off the bus Wednesday afternoon.

The incident occurred in the area of 99th Street and Rich Road, just east of Normandale Boulevard, according to a letter to parents from school officials. The suspect, described as an older white male with blond or gray hair, was said to be driving a late 2000-model gray/blue Chevy Impala.

District officials notified guardians in the Olson, Normandale, Ridgeview and Jefferson attendance areas, as students regularly walk and ride the school bus there. Parents were told to remind their children never to accept rides from strangers and to walk in groups whenever possible.

Authorities ask anyone who observes the vehicle in the area or has knowledge of the incident to call police.

LIZ SAWYER