Man sought for possible abduction attempts in Lehigh Valley

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Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Man grabs, tries to abduct Moravian College student
Man grabs, tries to abduct Moravian College student. Walter Perez reports during Action News at 4pm on November 15, 2017.

BETHLEHEM, Pa. (WPVI) -- The search is on for a man involved in several possible abduction attempts in the Lehigh Valley.

Investigators say the man approached an 18-year-old student from Moravian College in Bethlehem Tuesday morning.

Police say he touched her arm, then grabbed her hand and wouldn't let go until she started screaming.

The man ran to a light blue, older model car and drove off.

What makes this case even more disturbing is that similar cases have been reported in Bethlehem over the past few weeks. However, this is believed to be the first time the suspect got out of his vehicle and grabbed someone.

Moravian College students are on high alert.

"A couple of my friends are education majors and have to walk to the school they teach at in the morning. So now they are very paranoid about that," said Devyn Lapp.

"I got the email and I was a little skeeved, but you just have to be aware of it I guess. You don't think people like that are out there but they are," said Katie Dickinson.

Previously, Bethlehem police received at least four reports of a man either trying to convince a young woman to get into his car, or he would get the young woman's attention and then fondle himself.

Two of those cases involved female students from Liberty High School. Bethlehem schools superintendent Dr. Joseph Roy says he is doing everything he can to keep the Bethlehem area aware of the story until an arrest is made.

"I think if everybody in the city has their eyes out for this person and for the car he is going to be tracked down pretty quickly," he said.

Anyone with information should contact Bethlehem police.

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