Berks Co. sheriff warns of abduction attempts

SPRING TWP., Pa. (WPVI) -- Berks County Sheriff Eric Weaknecht has put out a public service announcement in response to a rash of recent abduction attempts.

Authorities released sketches of a possible suspect earlier this week.

The incidents happened within a 15 mile radius since the beginning of the year.

"Children should not walk alone. Neighborhood children should walk to and from school in groups whenever possible," Weaknecht said.

Sheriff Weaknecht says parents can be the best resource for kids by talking to them. He urges children to fight back if someone attempts to lure them into a car or to go with them.

"Run, pull away, hit, yell, scream 'I don't know this person! Help!" said Weaknect.

"I'm a parent of three, a nine-year-old, a five-year-old and a two-year-old. For me, the safety and protection of kids is the most important thing we need to do," said Pablo Tejada of the Olivet Boys and Girls Club in Reading.

He planned a meeting Friday for parents to share tips and ideas for keeping children safe.

"We hope to create a page, in both English and Spanish, that we can give to parents, institutions, churches, schools with creative ideas on how to protect kids," said Tejada.

Some of the victims told police the suspect was driving a dark-colored vehicle, black possibly, with tinted windows.