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Second Attempted Abduction Reported In Fayette Co.

Boy Describes How He Freed Himself From Man's Grip

POSTED: 4:56 pm EDT June 18, 2008
UPDATED: 9:14 am EDT June 19, 2008

With the help of his brother, a boy escaped an attempted abduction in Fayette County on Wednesday morning, the second such incident in the county in three days.

Channel 4 Action News reporter Jon Greiner said the descriptions of the man involved in the incidents are similar enough that it could be the same man.

Brandon Morris, 11, said he and his 9-year-old brother, Austin, were selling mulberries in front of the U.S. Post Office on Fourth Street in Newell when a man approached at about 10:30 a.m. and offered them potato chips.

When the 11-year-old reached for the chips, he said the man grabbed his arm and tried to pull him into his van.

"He grabbed me with his left arm. He slammed me up against the car and at that same time, I'm yelling for (my brother), and he finally got up and ran," Brandon said.

"As soon as I took my first two steps, he sped off and let go of my brother's arm," Austin said.

Brandon said he was disappointed in himself because his mother had taught them better, Greiner said.

"I was not paying attention and messed up and this is what happens when you do that stuff. Don't do it, be safe, don't go up to people like I did," Brandon said.

The boys found out later about a similar incident on Monday in adjacent Jefferson Township.

"Just knowing this, I told all the neighboring kids to tell their parents about this incident and, hopefully, everybody will keep a watch out and they can find him," said Patricia Morris, the boys' mother.

Both boys said the man took off in an older green van with white stripes, which is similar to the description given to police in an attempted abduction report on Monday. Authorities investigating Wednesday's incident described the man as heavy-set, white with black hair and sideburns and yellow teeth.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police.


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