Stepped-up patrols continue in N. Hall

GAINESVILLE - Sheriff's deputies are continuing increased patrols in a Hall County subdivision after a man attempted to abduct a 10-year-old boy.

Hall County Sheriff's Col. Jeff Strickland says the boy was playing with several children in a vacant lot when the man drove up Sunday afternoon.

He tried to lure the boy into his pickup, but the boy ran off. Strickland said the man drove off but stopped to talk to a woman before leaving the subdivision.

No other similar incidents have been reported.

Police set up roadblocks at the subdivision's entrance and handed out fliers on Monday and Tuesday. The operation was scaled back on Wednesday but there are still extra patrols during school bus pick-up and drop-off times.

The suspect is white, having very close cut hair and a close shaven goatee. He was was driving a dark blue full-size truck.

Anyone with information regarding this incident or the identity of the suspect is requested to call the Hall County Sheriff’s Office, Criminal Investigation Division at 770-531-6879 or after hours at 770-536-8812.

(The Associated Press contributed to this report.)