GOREVILLE, Ill. (WJPF) – Residents in Goreville are on alert after the attempted kidnapping of a 10-year-old girl.

It happened around 2:40 p.m. Wednesday on West Collins Street.  Police say a man grabbed the girl in her own backyard.  The girl fought back and was able to escape.

Police describe the suspect as a black man with a slender build, standing about 6 feet tall.  He has tattoos on his right arm and may be driving a white van.

At this time, the attempted kidnapping is being described as an isolated crime of opportunity.