Police searching for suspect in attempted child abduction

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Police in South Bend are searching for a man who tried to abduct a child at a popular city park next to Potawatomi Zoo.

According to the county’s Special Victim’s Unit, a stranger tried to abduct a 14-year-old boy at Kids’ Kingdom park Monday night.

Officials tell ABC57 the attack happened between 8:40pm and 9:00pm.

"I'm in shock. It puts you on edge. It makes you not want to stay or let your kids outside. I already watch them like a hawk anyway." Hilary Ruiz, who lives next to the park with her husband and six children, said.

The attack would have happened right around the time the park closes. Kids’ Kingdom closes at dusk.

Ruiz says there have been several problems at the park with suspicious activity.

ABC57 has requested a list of calls for police at the address, at the time of this article, the request had not yet been processed.

Officials with the Prosecutor’s Office tell ABC57 that they’re working on a description of the suspect.