2 attempted abductions reported in Albert Lea, Minn.

Two attempted abductions were reported in Albert Lea, Minnesota over the weekend. 

The first incident occurred at the Freeborn County Fair on Saturday evening. A 12-year-old girl told Freeborn County deputies she was walking on the gravel road through the parking lot near the 4-H building when a man grabbed her from behind and told her “keep walking and nobody will get hurt.” 

The girl said she went with the man for a few seconds until a nearby woman yelled at him to leave her alone. The man then fled. 

The suspect is described as a man with an abnormally deep voice. He was wearing dark shoes with white laces. 

Authorities have not determined the identity of the woman who witnessed the incident. 

The second incident occurred on Sunday around 6:24 p.m. on the basketball courts at James Avenue and Frank Avenue by the Aquatic Center. 

A 22-year-old man told Albert Lea police a man came up and asked to play basketball with him. After a while, he lifted his shirt and displayed a handgun in his waistband. He then told the 22-year-old to come with him, but the victim fled. 

The suspect walked back to his car and drove southbound on Frank Avenue. 

The suspect is described as a man in his mid-20s to 30s. He is approximately 5’8” tall, weighs 180 pounds and wears glasses. He has black hair in a buzz cut. His vehicle is described as a silver van with rust along the bottom and white tape on the rear passenger taillight. 

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the Albert Lea Police Department at 507-377-5200.