GOREVILLE, Ill. -- Authorities are looking for the public's help in finding a man connected to an attempted child abduction investigation in Goreville.
The Johnson County Sheriff's Department said there was an attempted child abduction in Goreville on Wednesday at around 3 p.m.
The sheriff's department said they are looking for a black male wearing a camouflage shirt or jacket with tattoos on his arm.
Illinois State Police said they are assisting Goreville police and the Johnson County Sheriff's Department.
On Wednesday, at 2:40 p.m., the Johnson County Sheriff's Department and ISP went out to West Collins St. in Goreville.
"An unknown black male with a shaved head attempted to abduct a 10-year-old girl from her backyard," The sheriff's Department said.
Shortly thereafter, "the child was able to fight the individual off the suspect and caused them to release her."
"The man then took off from the scene. The child described him as being approximately 6 ft tall with a slender build, tattoos on his right arm, and wearing a camouflage jacket with the sleeves cut off and blue jeans," a release said.
The sheriff's office continued, "A neighbor reported seeing a white van in the area shortly before the incident, with a black male driver wearing a purple shirt that is possibly connected. Illinois State Police deployed a canine in an attempt to track the subject down. Multiple county and state units responded to the area and searched for the subject. At this time, there is nothing indicating that this was anything more than an isolated crime of opportunity. If any residents on West Collins St. or in the general area have a camera system we ask that you check it for any footage that may be related to this incident."
The sheriff's department said if you have any information that could assist them to call them at 618-658-8264 or the Illinois State Police.
