Police Search For Man Who Allegedly Tried To Kidnap Boy Outside West Yarmouth Store

YARMOUTH (CBS) -- Yarmouth Police are searching for a man who reportedly tried to get a teenage boy into his minivan by promising him candy and directing him towards the vehicle.

The 13-year-old told police he was almost kidnapped outside the Dollar General store on Route 28 in West Yarmouth around 4 p.m. Saturday.

"The initial investigation indicates that after buying an item in the store, the juvenile exited the store and noticed an older male waiting by the exit. As he walked by the male, the male stated to him that he had candy for him in his van," said a police statement.

Deputy Police Chief Steven Xiarhos said, "A man approached him, did not touch him, but said something to the effect of I have candy in my van and would you like some and guided towards the van with his arm."

The teen was able to get away and run to Athena Thomas's house nearby. She said the teen is friends with her son.

"He was pacing back and forth in my kitchen. He was out of breath, seemed a little out of sorts. And he wasn't making sense," said Thomas. "I was trying to get a clear idea of what was happening and it basically came down to someone tried to take me."

Police reviewed the store's surveillance video and found a man who matched the boy's description.

The suspect is described as a bald man, between 40 and 50, with a dark short beard that had spots of silver or white, wearing a white shirt and green shorts.

The minivan was tan, police said.

Parents in town told WBZ-TV they will revisit talking to their kids about strangers.

"It's terrible but he was really smart to take off like that," said one woman.

Another said, "My kids, they're smart enough to not get in the car for candy, I would hope."

Anyone with information is asked to call police at 508-775-0445 ext. 2134.