LOWELL, Mich. (WZZM) - People living in the Lowell area are on high alert after two attempted abductions. They both happened last Thursday just after 9 p.m, on Finn avenue in Vergennes Township, and the other on Barnsley road in Lowell Township.
In the first case, a 28-year old woman was jogging on Finn avenue, when a truck pulled over. A man got out and ran after her. She was able to make it to a nearby house where she called for help.
About an hour later, a similar incident happened eight miles away on Barnsley road, in Lowell Township.
"Very scary, very scary," says Mary Bommarito, who lives in the neighborhood. She's been keeping an eye out ever since.
In the second case, a 21-year old woman and 14-year old girl were walking, when a similar vehicle pulled over. The man started to get out, but a neighbor saw what was happening and yelled out. The driver took off.
Neighbor Melissa Humphrey says the neighborhood association posted a few details over the weekend. "I was definitely concerned because I like to be out and about in the neighborhood." Humphrey talked to her children as soon as she heard what happened. "Just to definitely be careful of anyone you don't know and we're not going out at night."
The Kent County Sheriff's Department notified the media about the incidents almost four days later. On Tuesday, Undersheriff John Hess declined to go on camera, but over the phone, he said he didn't know why there was a delay, but is looking into it.
"It's very scary to think that it can happen anywhere. That's the lesson for everybody to learn," says Bommarito.
The vehicle is described as a white GM pick-up, with an extended cab and ladder rack in back. It is a later model, possibly from 1995-1999. The vehicle also had plow lights in front. Undersheriff Hess says there is no specific description of the driver other than a man, wearing a baseball hat.