SALT LAKE CITY — A 12-year-old boy thwarted his would-be abductor by shoving him out of the way at a Salt Lake park on Monday, police said.

The boy was using a drinking fountain in Poplar Grove Park, 800 S. Emery St., about 2:30 p.m. when a man came up from behind and tried to grab him, according to Salt Lake police.

The boy reportedly shoved the man and fled the park on his bicycle, then called police. The man who allegedly approached him is described as white and bald, with a wrinkled face. The man was apparently tall and skinny, and wearing a blue shirt and black shorts.

Salt Lake police detective Greg Wilking praised the boy for how he responded after he was approached. Wilking said the three keys to the boy's reaction were leaving the area, getting a description of the man and contacting an adult.

"His parents have talked to him about what to do in situations like this," he said.

The boy didn't have an estimate on the man's age, but Wilking believes it is likely an "older man" because of the wrinkles. He said investigators will need the public's help to identify and locate the man.

"It’s really a matter of someone in the public saying they know who it is," Wilking said. "We want people to be vigilant, be on the look out."

Anyone with information about this case can call the Salt Lake City Police Department at 801-799-3100.

Email: blockhart@deseretnews.com

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