"I was really scared:" Man tries to lure young girl into his car outside elementary school in Waukesha

WAUKESHA -- A Waukesha fifth-grader is speaking out after she says a man tried luring her into his car. The attempted enticement happened Wednesday afternoon, October 21st just outside Heyer Elementary School and police are taking this incident very seriously.

Police have increased patrols and school staff is on alert after this incident -- especially when kids are being dropped off and picked up and during recess.

On Thursday, the young girl and her father said they want everyone to know what happened.

"I was really scared," said Genevieve Vanderwalt.

Genevieve Vanderwalt

Genevieve Vanderwalt was looking for her ride on Wednesday afternoon, when a stranger approached and said her grandpa was up the street.

"I was walking there, and then right there, almost around the corner, he told me to get in his car," said Genevieve.

Genevieve didn't know the man -- and instinct took over.

"I just ran and I didn't look back," said Genevieve.

"Genevieve had got to the house and she said that someone had tried to abduct her. Immediately, I went from zero to a million," said Peter Vanderwalt, Genevieve's father.

Peter Vanderwalt

Genevieve told her father and police came to her home. She gave them a description of the African-American suspect.

"He was an oldish man. He had white stubble and he was wearing a red, puffy jacket and blue jeans," said Genevieve.

On Thursday, Genevieve's father was there as school let out -- ensuring she would get home safely.

"Genevieve reacted the way she was supposed to -- like I taught her," said Peter Vanderwalt.

Vanderwalt family

And parents and staff are alerted to the attempted enticement.

Heyer Elementary School

"You know that they care and that makes a difference," said Vanderwalt. "Your children need to know -- when something doesn't feel right, it's probably not right."

Police say the man may have been driving in a white four-door sedan with rust near the back wheel well.

Anyone with information that could help police in this case is encouraged to contact the Detective Stucker at 262-524-3927.