Suspect sought in attempted child snatching in South Lake Tahoe

South Lake Tahoe police are looking for a man who attempted to abduct a 10-year-old boy as he and his two friends rode their bicycles just before 6 p.m. Friday evening.

Sgt. Brian Williams said in a press release issued late Saturday night that the three boys were riding their bikes in the area of Eloise Avenue and Third Street in South Lake Tahoe when a man used his truck to block their path.

None of the boys new the man. When one of the boys backed up and turned his bicycle around, the suspect got out of his truck and "lunged at the boy in an attempt to grab him," said Williams.

The boy was able to pedal his bicycle away from the suspect who lost his grip on the back of the boy's shirt. 

Williams said the suspect returned to his truck and tried to overtake the boy on his bicycle, but the child was able to escape by riding through alleys and business parking lots in this area. 

Williams said the children reported seeing the suspect drive around the area, apparently searching for them for the next one to two minutes. 

"As the crime occurred at dusk, and took the young boy by surprise, it was difficult for the victim to provide a complete description of the suspect and vehicle," Williams said in the release.

The suspect is described as 5-feet 8-inches to 5-feet 10-inches tall, with medium length brown hair spiked in the front, and a trimmed goatee. He was driving a late 1990s white full-sized pick up truck with an extended or crew cab and a black bug shield.

Williams said the accompanying photo is similar to the vehicle described by the children, but it not the suspects vehicle.

If anyone has information related to this event is asked to contact the South Lake Tahoe Police Department at 530-542-6100.  Please reference case number 1001-1246.