A middle-aged man accused of trying to kidnap a schoolgirl in a terrifying ordeal two weeks ago has been arrested.
The girl, who studies at Green Bay High School in West Auckland, New Zealand, was allegedly targeted on March 19 at 4:23 p.m.
“We received a report that an unknown man driving a vehicle had slowed down next to the victim who was walking on South Titirangi Road, near the intersection with Tinopai Road,” Auckland Police said in a statement.
The man, 56, reportedly tried to talk to the girl before getting out of a white flat-deck truck and grabbing her arm.
But the girl reportedly managed to break free from his grasp and run home.
The girl, who studies at Green Bay High School (pictured) in West Auckland, New Zealand, was allegedly targeted on March 19 at 4:23 p.m.
In an update on Tuesday, Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie said a 56-year-old man had been arrested over the Easter long weekend.
“We followed up on information from the public regarding a vehicle of interest in this case, which led to the arrest,” she said.
The man will appear in the Waitākere District Court on Friday charged with assault.
Detective Goldie said more charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
In an update on Tuesday, Detective Senior Sergeant Megan Goldie said a 56-year-old man had been arrested over the Easter long weekend. A police car from New Zealand is shown
“We believe there have been similar approaches in the West Auckland region in recent months, and we encourage members of our community with knowledge of these incidents to contact police.”
Fiona Barker, principal of Green Bay High School, said she learned what allegedly happened on March 20 when the student’s family contacted her.
“(The student is) supported by our guidance team and we are in close contact with their family,” Ms Barker told the NZ Herald.
“We have informed our community of the situation and contacted schools in the area.”
