CORDOVA, TN (abc24.com) - Shelby County deputies still haven't found the suspects who tried to kidnap a 10-year-old girl last week in Cordova.
Deputies say the girl was playing outside when a masked man jumped out of a white van and grabbed her. Investigators say the guy let the girl go when she started kicking and screaming.
On average, eleven children are abducted in the U.S. every day. Now parents are not leaving anything to chance. They want their kids to be prepared in case they find themselves in a similar situation.
“I tell the kids when you're walking home from school and somebody's coming, I want you to throw your papers, throw your homework, throw your books. Leave a scene,” said Robby Beard of USA Karate.
That's one of the lessons Beard drills home with elementary school students. He's a former cop turned Karate instructor and he's teaching kids about stranger danger.
“No matter what I say don't let me close. If I get close I'm gonna grab you,” instructor Leighton Kelly told the students.
One of the first rules is to keep your distance and get to a safe place.
“Hey I lost my puppy can anybody help me find my puppy?” Kelly asked as the children ran from him.
If strangers close the gap, kids have a couple of options. A student demonstrated a leg lock she is being taught to employ on would-be kidnappers.
“As soon as I reach down, she's gotta sprawl back. Now when she creates enough space she stands up and runs to her safe zone,” Kelly said.
These tips could keep kids from being kidnapped.
Melissa Heck, who has two daughters in the program, said, "Absolutely, absolutely," her daughters would know what to do in a dangerous situation.
The men who tried to snatch a 10-year-old girl last week have not been spotted since, but neighbors remain vigilant because the would-be kidnappers warned they would be back.
“I'm going to keep a watch out for my daughter and I'm sure the rest of the parents in the neighborhood will too,” said Melanie Jones.
The suspects were driving a white van. If you have any information that could lead to their arrests call the Shelby County Sheriff's Office.
