NYPD: Man tries to abduct 11-year-old girl in Brooklyn; Images released

GRAVESEND, Brooklyn (WABC) -- Police in Brooklyn are looking for a man they say tried to abduct an 11-year-old girl as she walked home from school with her sister on Wednesday, and they're hoping surveillance images will lead to an arrest.

The incident happened in the vicinity of Highlawn Avenue and West 7th Street in the Gravesend section just before 3 p.m.

Authorities say the girl was walking with her sister a man came up to her and grabbed her shoulder and school bag, telling her that she was going with him. She screamed and broke free before running home, while the suspect fled on foot.

Police increased patrols in the area, with street crime units looking for the suspect described as a white male in his mid 20s to early 30s last seen wearing a black jacket, black hoodie, gray sweatpants and black sneakers.

Several parents in the area described the incident as their worst nightmare.

"It's crazy," parent Blerina Azinedari said. "People are crazy these days."

The photos were captured by a security camera in the area.

"These days, you know, with the world we live in, I hear so many other things going wrong," area resident George Denesopolis said.

As school ended at nearby PS 97, many parents met and walked with their children amid heightened concerns.

"I walk her home ever yday," Azinedari said. "She's with me 24/7. I don't let her out of my sight."

Others like Melissa Akai stress to their children that they be careful.

"Just be cautious," she said. "You know there are people who, as adults, we know to be weary of. You just have to teach kids too. You don't want them to fear everyone."

Anyone with information in regards to this incident is asked to call the NYPD's Crime Stoppers Hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477)