Hudson Valley Girl Dragged Into Van, Police Seek Help

Local police are hoping for help in finding a van and the group of men who "bear-hugged" and "dragged" a young girl into the van.

According to the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department, on Friday April 7 around 7 p.m., a 14-year-old girl was walking near Soldier’s Fountain when an older model, dark green, full-sized panel van pulled up next to her and a white male passenger asked if she wanted a ride.

The girl declined and began to walk away when another white male bear-hugged her and dragged her inside the van, police say.

Inside the van, allegedly three white men. The teen was eventually able to escape in the area of Garden Street and Brookside Avenue, officials say.

Police are attempting to identify the van, which may have been involved in other suspicious activity in the south side the City of Poughkeepsie. The make, model, year, and plate number are unknown at this time.

Anyone with information about this vehicle is urged to call the City of Poughkeepsie Police Department confidential Tip Line at (845) 451-7577.

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