PARKERSBURG - Authorities are searching for a "boxier" style Chevy or Dodge mini-van, possibly dark gray with West Virginia license plates, that may be involved in a possible attempted child abduction Thursday in Parkersburg.
Police were called to the 1700 block of Beaver Street Thursday around 10:15 a.m.
The mother of a 5-year-old boy told Officer K.A. Nichols her son was playing in front of the residence around 8:30 a.m. Thursday when she went inside the Parkersburg home. The mother left the door open to hear the child, but soon after she went in she stopped hearing the child's toy, officials said.
The mother, who was not identified by city police, heard an automobile stop and went to check on her son, authorities said. She reported she observed an older model mini-van stop beside her automobile that was parked outside the residence.
The woman told police she observed an older white male trying to get the attention of her son. The van was described as an older "boxier" style Chevy or Dodge mini-van, possibly dark gray with West Virginia license plates.
The suspect was described as a male, possibly in his 60s, with receding salt and pepper hair, glasses, and missing his top and bottom front teeth, police said.
There were no other witnesses, police said, but officials are checking video surveillance in the area to see if an image can be captured. A "be on the lookout" message has been issued to all area law enforcement agencies, officials said.
Officials said although no crime was committed, and it is unclear whether the suspect's intentions were criminal, they will continue to look for the man in question.
Misty Caull and her family live on Beaver Street and said they have seen the van and described it as "blue with rust" on it. The Caull family members said they have noticed the person driving with the door open allegedly stealing bicycles, and that the vehicle is missing a hubcap.
Caull said when her children are playing outside, she is always present.
"That will never happen here," said Caull of a child being left unattended.
Officers ask that anyone with information on the vehicle's whereabouts call 911 immediately.
