Two abduction attempts reported in Albert Lea

August 7, 2018 at 4:17AM

Two attempted abductions at public places in Albert Lea, Minn., were reported to authorities over the weekend.

No arrests have been made.

The first occurred shortly after 9 p.m. Saturday at the Freeborn County Fair, according to Sheriff Kurt Freitag.

A 12-year-old girl told deputies that she was walking through the parking lot near the 4-H building on the south side of the fairgrounds when someone grabbed her waist from behind and said, "Keep walking, and nobody will get hurt," a statement from the Sheriff's Office read.

The girl said that a woman yelled at the man to leave the girl alone, and he let go and ran, the statement said.

The girl's description of the man had few details, just that he wore dark shoes with white laces and had an especially deep voice.

Tips can be called into the Freeborn County Sheriff's Office at 1-507-377-5200.

Early Sunday evening, a male told Albert Lea police that a man approached him near the basketball courts southeast of the city aquatic center, revealed a handgun under his shirt and said to come with him.

The male fled toward the pool and got away, police said.

The suspect drove a silver minivan, with rust along the bottom.

He was described as white, late 20s to early 30s, with black hair, eyeglasses, a white T-shirt and black basketball shorts.

Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact police at 1-507-377-5780.

about the writer

about the writer

Paul Walsh

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Paul Walsh is a general assignment reporter at the Minnesota Star Tribune. He wants your news tips, especially in and near Minnesota.

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