A game of tag near Manhattan Beach's Sand Dune Park reportedly turned into a frightening moment on Tuesday when a driver tried to force a 9-year-old boy into a red car. Police say the child screamed, kicked free, and the driver sped off.
Details of the encounter were shared in a neighborhood Nextdoor post and later reported by NBC Los Angeles. According to that account, the boy had been playing tag with friends near the bottom of the dune when a red vehicle stopped and the driver "attempted to push the boy into the car" before the child fought him off. The post described the assailant as a man wearing dark sunglasses and a black hoodie.
Where It Happened
Sand Dune Park sits at 33rd Street and Bell Avenue in Manhattan Beach, a popular landmark that city records identify as the dune at that intersection. According to City of Manhattan Beach documents, the park location is listed as "33rd St @ Bell Ave."
Police Response And What To Do
The Manhattan Beach Police Department told NBC Los Angeles it is aware of the report and that officers are actively investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department. The Manhattan Beach Police Department lists the non-emergency number as (310) 802-5000 along with public safety resources. If you see suspicious activity, call 911 for an immediate response.
Neighbors React
The Nextdoor post describing the encounter quickly drew responses from neighbors, many expressing alarm and urging parents to keep a close eye on children at local parks. The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with video or information that could help detectives is asked to contact the Manhattan Beach Police Department.
