11-Year-Old Girl Escapes Kidnapping on Chicago's Southwest Side: Police

UPDATE: Police say the abduction report is "unfounded." More here

An 11-year-old girl escaped her captor after being kidnapped in broad daylight Monday on Chicago's Southwest Side, according to police.

The abduction took place between roughly 3:20 and 4:30 p.m. in the 3600 block of West 55th Street in the city's West Elsdon neighborhood, according to an alert from Chicago police.

Authorities said the girl was walking home from school when an unknown man exited his car, picked her up and placed her inside the vehicle, thought to be a white or gray mini van.

The man drove around for approximately one hour before she was able to escape, officials said. It's unclear how she got away, but police said she was not harmed in the incident.

The abduction prompted officials to issue a reminder that area residents should stay alert and aware of their surroundings, and that children should walk with adults or in a group.

The offender was described as a Hispanic male, believed to be between 50 and 60 years old, with short black and gray hair, according to police. He had a mustache, brown eyes and was wearing a black t-shirt and black pants, authorities said.

No one is in custody in connection with the kidnapping, according to police, who continue to investigate.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact detectives at (312) 747-8380.

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