Police released the description and a sketch of a man this week they believe attempted to abduct a child from a residential neighborhood in Hayward on Jan. 13.

The attempted abduction occurred at about 4 p.m. on Ithaca Street at Erie Place, when the suspect allegedly drove up to an 8-year-old girl and ordered her to get in the vehicle, police said.

The girl ran away from the suspect who was seen driving northbound on Ithaca Street.

Police believe the alleged abduction attempt may be connected to a Nov. 15 incident that involved a similarly described suspect who approached three young girls in Union City.

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Police are searching for a white male in his late 20s to early 30s, standing about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 10 inches tall. He is thought to be between 140 and 180 pounds, with a light-to-medium complexion.

Police say the man has short dirty blond or light brown hair and brown eyes. He was seen driving a bluish-gray Ford Explorer or Chevrolet Blazer.

"Our main concern is that this guy is boldly targeting young girls," said inspector J.P. Guimaraes.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call the Hayward Investigations Hot line at (510) 293-5037.

— Bay City News