When the last bell rings each day at Lake Harriet Community School, the sidewalk near the front door is packed as kids and teachers wait for parent pick up.
“It's a really nice community,” said Nikki Niermann, whose son attends the school.
But police say Tuesday night's crowds didn't stop a man from walking up to a young girl and trying to abduct her before she ran and yelled for help.
“She's a rock star,” said Jason Matlock, Minneapolis School District Director of Emergency Management and Safety and Security. “She did a great job keeping her wits and making sure that she was doing what she could to get away and let people know right away.”
The girl and several other kids can also describe the man, telling police he's 6 foot tall, thin and white, 50 to 60 years old with a long black beard. They say he was wearing a flat cap, black jacket and peach pants.
Police are now searching video from cameras at the school and nearby homes for clues about who the man is and how to find him.
“We're just going back through everything to try to backtrack and see what we have,” said Matlock.
As the search continues, the school is also working to help kids stay alert, sending an email of safety tips to all its families. Parents say they'll follow them closely, a new reminder that even with adults nearby the unthinkable can happen.
“It's just a really good wake up call,” said Niermann.
Anyone with information is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or text 847411 (TIP411).
All tips are anonymous and can lead to rewards.