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Police: Man grabs teen outside Chesterfield tanning salon

Posted at 10:16 AM, Apr 12, 2012
and last updated 2012-04-12 12:16:59-04

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. (WTVR) -  Police are investigating an attempted abduction outside a Chesterfield tanning salon, according to Chesterfield Police spokeswoman Elizabeth Caroon.

Caroon said around 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, a 17-year-old girl left Sea Breeze Tanning Salon on Amherst Ridge Lane when she said a man grabbed her arm.

The teenager told police she was able to break free, get into her vehicle and drive off.

The teenager called the salon to tell workers what happened. The salon called police to investigate, Caroon said.

Clifton Pittman lives a few yards from where the alleged crime happened.

"This is a quiet neighborhood and very seldom does anything happen," Pittman said.

The area has been home to Pittman for the past 12 years.  The long-time resident has a message for the mysterious man who allegedly tried abducting the teen.

"We look out for one another, don't start that around here," Pittman said.

Joe Wardy Chamberlain regularly travels through the area where the crime is said to have happened.  The Petersburg man said he was surprised to hear about the alleged offense.

"Our city is just a little bit down the road," Chamberlain said.  "If he didn't get a good strike here, he may come down our way to get a good strike."

The victim told police the man who grabbed her was a white male who wore a black hooded sweatshirt and gray pants. Police say the suspect is believed to be in his 20's with either acne or freckles on his cheeks and the bridge of his nose.  His eyebrows appeared light in color and he was clean shaven.  He is about 5'10" with a large, muscular build and dark hazel or brown eyes.  The would-be abductor is said to have left in a medium gray, older model pickup with custom pipes and a "Cowboy Up" decal.

Investigators want anyone with any information to call Chesterfield Police at 748-1251 or Crime Solvers at 748-0660.

This is a developing story. Refresh WTVR.com and watch CBS 6 News for updates.