South Salt Lake police search for man who tried to abduct girl

Police in South Salt Lake are looking for a man who reportedly tried to abduct a 12-year-old girl off the street.

An officer was near 2900 South and 500 East about 7:30 p.m. Wednesday when he saw the girl running barefoot and screaming that someone had grabbed her, said Lt. Ron Lance.

The girl said she was walking home when a man approached her and grabbed her by both arms, Lance said. The girl struggled with the man to free herself and then ran more than two blocks, losing her shoes as she fled, Lance said.

The man was described as "older," with shoulder-length light-colored hair and "scruff" on his face, Lance said. He was wearing a black hooded jacket.

Officers searched the area but could not find the man. Investigators believe he did not chase the girl but instead turned and fled the scene, Lance said.

Anyone with information may call police at 801-840-4000.