BATTLE CREEK, Mich. — The Battle Creek Police Department says a suspect is in custody after an attempted abduction near Ann J. Kellogg School Tuesday morning.
Officials say a 9-year-old student was walking to school around 8 a.m. near Champion Street when a 22-year-old Battle Creek man approached her. The child later told police she believed the man was trying to abduct her and said she did not know him.
Ann J. Kellogg School Principal Niesha Phillips said she noticed something was wrong as she arrived at school Tuesday morning.
“I immediately knew something wasn't right,” Phillips said.
Phillips said the student ran toward her for help after the encounter.
“She began to scream, ‘Principal Phillips, Principal Phillips,’ and run to me,” she said.
The principal says she quickly brought the child inside the school while staff worked to secure the building during student arrival. Police responded shortly after and were able to locate the suspect nearby.
The man was taken into custody and lodged at the Calhoun County Jail on a charge of accosting a minor and an additional unrelated charge. Authorities have not publicly identified the suspect.
Parents in the area say the incident was concerning, but many are praising the principal’s quick actions. One parent told FOX 17 he considers Phillips a “superwoman” for stepping in when she did.
Following the incident, Phillips says the school is increasing police presence during arrival and dismissal while also working to support students emotionally. She says the district has counselors and behavioral support staff available for students who may be struggling following the incident.
"That student handled it perfectly with textbook handling it, but wanting to ensure that our students know that these are the procedures and this is the support we have for them as a school," Phillips said.
Phillips also says she hopes to launch a “walking school bus” program next school year, creating safer walking routes for students with adult volunteers helping monitor children on their way to school.
“My first year, just getting to know the community and seeing how we can partner to make sure that as a school community we're contributing to safety and that this neighborhood knows that we are part of the neighborhood and we want to partner with them to ensure that we're all safe," Phillips said.
The case remains under investigation.
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