A 13-year-old girl in Galveston, Texas, managed to escape an attempted abduction on her way to school by biting her attacker twice and running to safety, authorities say. Galveston Police have released a suspect description and are asking for the public’s help as the investigation continues.
What Happened On The Way To School
The incident occurred Monday, October 27, at approximately 6:58 a.m., according to a press release shared by the Galveston Police Department on Facebook. Officers responded to Central Middle School after receiving reports that a student “had been approached and grabbed by an unknown man” while walking to campus.
Police say the student told investigators she had left her family’s East End apartment and was walking near the 900 block of 28th Street when she heard footsteps behind her. Moments later, an unidentified man allegedly grabbed her from behind.
“The student reported that a man grabbed her from behind. After a brief struggle, during which the young victim bit the assailant twice, she managed to break free and ran directly to Central Middle School,” the department said.
Authorities added that the student did not sustain physical injuries during the encounter. After the teen arrived at school and alerted staff, teachers immediately contacted police. The student’s parents were notified and went to campus; officers then accompanied the family back to their apartment and retraced the route to identify the precise area where the incident took place.
Investigation, Surveillance Video & Suspect Description
As part of the initial investigation, police issued an alert to local medical facilities to notify authorities if anyone sought treatment for bite-related injuries. That step followed the student’s report that she bit the attacker twice during the struggle.
Officers canvassed the area for witnesses and security footage. Investigators later obtained video from a business in the 1000 block of 24th Street. The footage shows the girl walking through the area before a man appears to begin following her along the same path, police said.
Based on the review of the video, authorities described the suspect as a White or Hispanic male. He was wearing a black short-sleeve shirt, blue jeans, and what appeared to be a ski mask. No arrests have been made, and the suspect has not been identified.
Police are urging anyone who may have been in the neighborhood around the time of the incident to come forward, particularly residents or businesses with additional security camera footage in the vicinity of 28th Street and 24th Street. Tips related to individuals matching the suspect’s clothing or someone who may have sought medical care for a bite wound could be especially helpful to the investigation.
Timeline & Response
Authorities emphasized the quick series of actions that helped secure the student’s safety and launch the investigation. The incident reportedly took place just before 7 a.m., a period when foot traffic to and from the area’s schools begins to increase. The student immediately ran to Central Middle School, where staff contacted police without delay, and the girl’s parents arrived shortly thereafter.
From there, officers worked alongside the family to retrace the route, pinpoint potential camera locations, and gather material evidence. The early request to medical facilities regarding possible bite injuries was an additional step intended to flag any suspect seeking treatment following the altercation.
Police have not released further details about the suspect’s direction of travel after the incident, nor have they specified whether the individual arrived on foot or by vehicle. The department’s public update focuses on the suspect’s appearance, the documented footage, and the call for community assistance.
How The Public Can Help
Galveston Police are asking anyone with information related to the attempted abduction to contact the department. Residents and business owners with security systems in the area are encouraged to review recordings from early Monday morning, particularly around the 900 block of 28th Street and the 1000 block of 24th Street, for any footage of a man matching the described appearance.
Even seemingly small details—such as the direction a person was walking, unusual behavior, or changes in clothing—can be useful to investigators. Authorities also noted that medical clinics or emergency rooms that encounter patients with unexplained bite injuries from the timeframe in question are asked to alert law enforcement.
Anyone who recognizes the suspect description or has relevant information is urged to come forward. As of now, no additional updates have been provided regarding potential leads or persons of interest.
Police have reiterated that the student is safe and unharmed, and that her quick thinking—biting the attacker and seeking immediate help—was critical in preventing a more serious outcome. The ongoing investigation remains active, with officers continuing to review surveillance footage, canvass the neighborhood, and follow up on tips from the community.
