Modesto police: Man grabbed junior high student walking to school

A Somerset Middle School student was accosted by a man while walking to school Thursday morning, according to Modesto police.

The girl was at Floyd and Edward avenues when she was approached from behind by the man, who grabbed her shirt and said, “Come here,” according to Modesto Police Department spokeswoman Heather Graves.

The girl ran away from the man and he was last seen running north in an alley east of Edward.

The suspect was wearing a red large sweat shirt with a sports team logo on it. He is described as Latino, with black hair, brown eyes and a medium build.

Parents were notified of the incident through a telephone call and email from the Sylvan Union School District.

In the email, Assistant Superintendent Matthew Shipley said, “The Modesto Police Department was promptly notified and is investigating and looking for the suspect. The police have assured us that they will be patrolling during the time that students walk to and from school.”

This story was originally published March 5, 2015 at 2:09 PM with the headline "Modesto police: Man grabbed junior high student walking to school."