VIDEO: 13-Year-Old Girl Bites Man to Escape Suspected Kidnapping After He Grabbed Her from Behind on Walk to School in Galveston, Texas

Galveston, Texas – A 13-year-old girl is being praised for her quick thinking after she bit a man twice to escape an apparent kidnapping attempt while walking to school Monday morning, according to the Galveston Police Department.

The incident occurred around 6:58 a.m. on October 27 as the girl was walking from her family’s East End apartment to Central Middle School. Police said the teen noticed footsteps approaching behind her near the 900 block of 28th Street before an unknown man suddenly grabbed her.

“The student reported that a man grabbed her from behind. After a brief struggle, during which the young victim bit the assailant twice, she managed to break free and ran directly to Central Middle School,”
— Galveston Police Department statement

Once at school, the frightened teen told teachers what happened, and they immediately contacted police. Thankfully, authorities confirmed that she was not physically injured in the attack.

Police quickly issued an alert to local hospitals and urgent care centers to be on the lookout for anyone seeking treatment for bite-related injuries, which may help identify the suspect.

A photo of Central Middle School in Galveston, Texas.

The girl’s parents later joined officers to retrace her route from their apartment to the school. During the investigation, officers found surveillance footage from a business in the 1000 block of 24th Street, which showed the student walking through the area — followed moments later by a man walking the same path.

Authorities described the suspect as a White or Hispanic male wearing a black short-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, and what appeared to be a ski mask.

The Galveston Police Department has asked the public for assistance in identifying the suspect or providing any information that could lead to an arrest.

“We are asking for the public’s help in identifying this man,” police said. “Anyone who may have seen suspicious activity or has relevant footage is urged to contact us immediately.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Galveston Police or reach out to Galveston County Crime Stoppers anonymously.