“I’m absolutely terrified for her and for her parents of course,” said Council Bluffs resident Dee Savage.
A Council Bluffs neighborhood is on edge after an alleged incident of child enticement Monday afternoon.
“You know that's scary, because I thought this neighborhood was a safe neighborhood,” said Jacqueline Donaldson.
Council Bluffs police say an 11-year-old girl was walking to a friend’s house near N 35th Street and Ave B around 3:30 p.m. when a man pulled up and tried to talk to her. When he asked her to get in the car she ran to a nearby gas station. The girl tells police at one point during the conversation the man was holding a knife.
“At 11-years-old you think my kid is going to be smart enough to do exactly what this little girl did yesterday, ran into the Quik Stop and got help. That's great, that's exactly what she needed to do,” said Savage.
“They need to know what to do. At four, five-years-old, they need to know what to do. It's sad to say that's what we have to do, but parents need to talk to their kids,” said Donaldson.
Jacqueline Donaldson who lives near the incident says she is constantly having the stranger danger conversation with her granddaughters.
Dee Savage who runs a daycare up the street tells parents to make a plan.
“Where can they go? Go over that with them. Make sure they know I can go to this person's house, or there is the gas station right here,” said Savage.
Council Bluffs police are looking for a white 4-door sedan with handicapped Iowa plates. The suspect is described as a 50-60-year-old white man with a beard and either gray or blonde hair.
Neighbors say they're staying vigilant and they are thankful this little girl is okay.
“I’m glad she went somewhere public, I’m glad she knew what to do,” said Savage.
