UPDATE, 10/6: EPD tweet:

Original Post: Eureka Police Department press release:

On Sunday, 10/05/14, at about 7:37 AM, the Eureka Police Department was contacted by a concerned citizen who reported having just witnessed a possible kidnapping. The caller stated that 3-4 minutes ago, he saw what appeared to be an approximately 13-14 year-old female juvenile walking in the vicinity of 6th and J Streets, Eureka. A large black van (like a Ford Econoline or similar) pulled up next to the juvenile and an adult male passenger got out, grabbed her, and put her in the van. The juvenile was seen kicking and heard yelling, “No, don’t” while being put into the vehicle. The van was last seen leaving westbound on 6th Street from the vicinity of J Street.

The witness provided a partial license plate number for the suspects’ vehicle of “36E4” which he further described as possibly being an early 2000s model.

The passenger-suspect was described as being a black male adult in his late 30s or early 40s, approximately 6’4” tall, with short black hair and last seen wearing a black jacket, white shirt, and blue jeans. There was no description of the van’s driver.

The victim was described as being a white female juvenile, approximately 14-years-old, with long blonde hair and wearing a pink skirt, black top and a pink backpack.

A county and region wide suspicious circumstances/possible kidnapping broadcast was issued to all law enforcement agencies requesting a welfare check on the juvenile and vehicle if located. It is unknown at this time whether or not the juvenile is the victim of an actual kidnapping and/or other malevolent act. As of the time of this release, EPD has received no reports of a missing child matching this suspicious incident. However, this is an active investigation and all available leads are being currently being pursued.

The Eureka Police Department requests the public’s assistance in locating and identifying the juvenile and suspects’ vehicle. Anyone with information concerning the incident including the whereabouts of the van and/or subjects and their identities is asked to immediately call the Eureka Police Department at (707) 441-4044.