A 13-year-old girl in Galveston, Texas, is being hailed as a hero after she fought off a masked man who tried to abduct her on her way to school — and escaped by biting him twice.
The Attack in Broad Daylight
The terrifying encounter unfolded around 7 a.m. Monday as the middle schooler was walking to Central Middle School. According to Galveston police, the girl heard fast footsteps behind her — and before she could turn around, a man in a ski mask grabbed her.
“She fought back immediately,” Galveston Police Department spokesperson Lt. Jared Grimes told local reporters. “This young lady showed incredible courage and presence of mind.”
Police said the teen twisted free after biting the suspect’s arm and hand, bolting toward the school while the man fled in the opposite direction. She wasn’t physically injured but was “terrified and shaking” when she arrived and told her teachers what happened.
Caught on Camera
Investigators quickly obtained surveillance footage from a nearby business showing a man trailing the girl just moments before the attack. In the grainy video, he’s seen wearing blue jeans, a black short-sleeved shirt, and what appears to be a ski mask pulled tight over his head.
Officers said the suspect is believed to be a white or Hispanic male and may have visible bite marks or scratches on his arm.
“We’ve alerted hospitals and clinics in the area,” Lt. Grimes confirmed. “If someone shows up with injuries consistent with this kind of struggle, we want to know about it.”
Parents and Police Retrace Her Steps
After notifying the school, the girl’s parents arrived and walked the route back home with investigators, helping them identify the exact spot of the attempted abduction. Detectives canvassed the neighborhood, interviewing residents and reviewing additional surveillance footage from nearby homes and businesses.
“This could have ended very differently,” said Police Chief Doug Balli. “Thanks to her bravery and quick thinking, we’re looking at an attempted abduction instead of a tragic loss.”
Community on Edge
The chilling daylight attack has left local parents shaken. “It’s every parent’s nightmare,” said Galveston mother Rachel Mendez, who lives just two blocks from where the incident happened. “I walk my daughter to school every morning — now I don’t even want her leaving my side.”
Police have increased patrols near area schools and are urging parents to remind their children about safety precautions — like walking in groups and reporting any suspicious activity immediately.
Anyone with information about the suspect’s identity is urged to contact the Galveston Police Department at 409-763-3777.
Background: A Rise in Attempted Abductions
According to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, there’s been a recent uptick in attempted child abductions across Texas — many happening near schools or residential neighborhoods. In 2024 alone, nearly 1,200 such incidents were reported nationwide, with most occurring in the early morning hours.
“Predators are opportunistic,” child safety advocate Amanda Price told KTRK. “The fact that this girl fought back and got away is exactly what kids are taught to do — make noise, resist, and run to safety.”
Authorities say they are still reviewing security footage and following multiple leads. “We’ll find him,” Chief Balli said firmly. “And when we do, that little girl’s courage will have made all the difference.”
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