GRANITE BAY, Calif. — Families in Granite Bay are concerned after the attempted kidnapping of a student in their neighborhood.
The Placer County Sheriff’s Office says it happened Tuesday morning near Douglas Boulevard and Quail Oaks Drive.
"We’re shocked. The whole neighborhood (is) just shocked because it's the safest place to be,” said Rita Makhmovskaya.
She and her neighbors are on edge after the attempted kidnapping of a young girl waiting at her bus stop. Makhmovskaya lives just a few blocks from where it happened.
"We received a report that a transient man had approached a student waiting for the school bus and demanded that that student go with him. Thankfully that student ran away and was able to go back to their house (and) let their parents know what had just happened,” said Elise Soviar with the Placer County Sheriff’s Office.
The girl’s parents called the sheriff’s office, who responded quickly. They were able to identify the man about a mile down the road with the help of the victim.
Joshua Landreth, 38, was arrested and booked on multiple charges including attempted kidnapping.
"He's been arrested a couple of times within the last year and he did have an outstanding warrant for theft. None of his prior crimes are related to kidnapping type of things or anything of that nature. Most of them are in the theft, shoplifting type of crimes,” said Soviar.
The Eureka Union School District confirmed Wednesday the girl is a student in their district. Superintendent Tom Janis sent ABC10 the statement he sent out to parents, which says, in part:
"This incident is a reminder for families to have conversations with their children about how to respond in situations like this."
"I talk with my grandkids, don't be afraid. Scream, fight, wherever it is, go. Just do anything to protect yourself and God forbid a situation like that,” said Makhmovskaya.
The sheriff’s office says the girl did exactly what she should have done. They say it’s important to talk to your neighbors to build a safer community and for students who have phones to call 911 if they feel threatened.
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