Police are searching for a man who they say tried to abduct a teen girl in Bensalem.
Investigators say it happened Monday around 5:15 p.m. while Debbie Kuehnle, 17, was walking home near Kingston Way and Berkeley Road in the Nottingham section of the town. A man driving a maroon vehicle pulled up to the girl and asked for directions, according to police.
As the girl gave directions, the man allegedly reached out the car window, grabbed her left arm and pulled her towards his vehicle.
"He reached out, grabbed my arm and left indent marks," said Debbie. "Before he could say anything I kicked the car and ran."
The suspect’s vehicle was last seen fleeing the Nottingham area, according to investigators. Debbie told her mother who then contacted Bensalem Police.
Debbie described the suspect as a white male in his mid to late 40’s with brown, receding hair, a brown/gray mustache and sideburns that go to the bottom of his ear. Police also say he had a small, yellow gold hoop earring in his left ear and was last seen wearing a blue t-shirt.
Credit: Bensalem Police Department
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The suspect’s vehicle is described as maroon, two doors with possibly tinted side and rear windows. Debbie also told police she believes the registration plate had the letters “SML” in that sequence.
Debbie's father, Edward Kuehnle, tells NBC10 he's proud of his daughter.
"We taught her well," said Edward. "Her mom and her definitely talk a lot about how things like this can happen. And I know it can happen."
"I have to get this out there so that he doesn't do this to anyone else," said Debbie.
Debbie also shared advice with other kids.
"When you're alone, don't trust anyone," said Debbie. "Never go up to their car. Anyone else, any strange car, anyone, never. I'm never going to be that nice."
If you have any information on this incident please call Detective Adam Kolman of the Special Victims Unit at 215-633-3719.