Police: Passerby honked horn to scare away attempted kidnapping suspect in Freeport

FREEPORT, Long Island (WABC) -- Police on Long Island are looking for a man who they said tried to kidnap a young boy Tuesday.

According to detectives, a 12-year-old boy was walking north on North Brookside Avenue in Freeport around 5 p.m. when a man in his 30s came up behind him and put his hand over the boy's mouth.

As the victim struggled to break free, a passerby honked his car horn to scare the suspect away, and the man released the boy. The suspect then fled south on North Brookside Avenue. The boy immediately called 911 from his cell phone once the suspect fled.

No injuries were reported, and there was no exchange of words between the victim and the suspect.

The incident is leaving area residents on edge.

"I'm extremely afraid. One of the big things about this neighborhood when we moved here - it's a safe area. Never had anything happen like this. Just knowing something like that happened is extremely disturbing," said Steve Mahabier.

The suspect is described as black, in his 30s, with a stocky build, and wearing a green jacket and jeans.

"The first squad is currently out there right now looking - we'll be interviewing neighbors, friends, the parents, even the school. Anybody that can give us a lead in regard to this," said Det. Lt. Richards Lebrun of the Nassau County Police Department.

Anyone with information regarding this crime to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous.