DENVER (KDVR) — A Westminster student escaped an attempted kidnapping on Friday after the suspect allegedly threatened her with a gun.
The Westminster Police Department said the attempted kidnapping happened shortly after 7 a.m. near West 125th Avenue and Delaware Street. The area is near Mountain Range High School, Silver Hills Middle School and the Adams 12 North Stadium.
Police said a 14-year-old female student was walking to school alone when a silver vehicle approached her. The student said the man driving threatened her with a gun and told her to get into the car. The student refused and she said the man grabbed her backpack and took off.
According to officers, the student made it to school safely and reported the incident. It is unclear if the girl was a student at the high school or the middle school.
According to Adams 12 Five Star Schools, Mountain Range High School and Silver Hills Middle School were placed on secure status as a precaution due to the police activity. The district said the status lasted 30 minutes and all activities have since returned to normal.
FOX31 obtained a copy of a letter sent to parents and faculty of the surrounding schools which explained the situation and said there would be a heightened sense of security.
"At both schools, we are operating with a heightened sense of awareness and security. More school staff will be present outside of the building throughout the day. Out of an abundance of caution, you may see additional police and district security presence near the schools and in the community today," said Adams 12 Five Star Schools in the email.
At this time, Westminster police have not released any information on the suspect, but the investigation is ongoing. Police believe the suspect has left the area.
If you have any information, contact the Westminster Police Department at 303-658-4360.
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