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Man tried to lure middle schooler into vehicle, Ocala police say

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — The 13-year-old girl told investigators that she was near Southeast Sanchez Avenue and Southeast 6th Street in Ocala on Monday waiting for her mother to pick her up when a man approached and offered her a ride. She said, “No.” The teen told police she told the man, “You can leave now,” and that’s when he told her to get in the car, police said.

The girl began walking back to the school and the man began to chase her, police said. The girl was not harmed.

“It was very alarming. It was very alarming because our kids come here (pick up spot) every day after school,” said parent Melissa Kinne.

Kinne picks up her son at an unofficial pick-up spot near the school. Many parents said they pick up their children a block away from the school because it’s less congested.

The man who had blond hair and a short beard, was driving a silver four-door car that had a pink license plate cover, police said.

Officers said they’re now offering extra patrols in the area.

“I always try and keep an eye out for the walking kids,” said parent Michelle Molinary.

Police are asking anyone who might have seen something to notify police.

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