MAN TRIES TO GRAB GIRL, WHO ESCAPES

A 14 year old girl was able to struggle free from an attempted abduction in Center Moriches as she was riding a bicycle near her home.  The girl was near Old Neck Road and Cottontail Run about 8 p.m. Wednesday when the attempt occurred.  As she stopped and got off her bicycle, a vehicle that was following her, a late-model tan SUV, possibly a Jeep Grand Cherokee, pulled up alongside her.  A heavyset, unshaven man with brown hair got out and grabbed her arm.  She struggled with him, fought with him and yelled.  She broke free and got away.  The man is described as in his mid-40s, about 6 feet tall, and wearing blue jeans and a T-shirt.  Anyone with information concerning the incident is urged by police to call Seventh Squad detectives at 631-852-8752.

(Center Moriches, New York)