Relatives foil attempt to kidnap girl in park

Orange County sheriff’s deputies continued searching Sunday for a man who witnesses said had tried to kidnap a mentally disabled girl after she wandered away from her family at a softball game.

The man was leading the 10-year-old out of Mile Square Regional Park about 4:30 p.m. Saturday when he was stopped by relatives and friends of the girl, authorities said.

The child, who has Down syndrome, had wandered away from a softball game her family was watching, authorities said.

Her relatives and friends started searching for her, saw her walking with the man and called out her name.

The would-be kidnapper fled into the crowded park, authorities said.

Deputies were unable to find the man after that and resumed the search Sunday.

The girl was unhurt.

Deputies described the suspect as a Latino in his 30s, about 5 feet 10 with dark hair. He was last seen wearing a green cap and a gray-and-white jacket.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at (714) 647-7419 or (714) 647-1832.