Police look for man who attempted 9 kidnappings

A northeast Ohio town is on edge after attempted abductions.
MASSILLON, Ohio (AP) -- A series of attempted abductions of children have parents and police on edge in this northeast Ohio town.
Police say they believe the same man has tried to abduct nine children in separate cases near schools. The first attempt was Feb. 18; the latest was Saturday.
According to police, the man drives up next to children and calls for them to get in his car. The children ran away safely, but police have been unable to capture the suspect -- a stocky, gray-haired man in his 40s or 50s who drives several vehicles, including a red car and a dark-colored van.
Community search
On Monday night, about 500 residents packed a high school auditorium where police said they needed the community's help in arresting the man.
Detective Bobby Grizzard asked residents and children to remember identifying details about the suspect should they witness an attempt. There have been several calls to police but no solid leads because of a lack of details, he said.
"Parents, grab a camera, grab a pencil and paper," Grizzard said. "That's the big break we want and need."
Parents are nervous.
"It gets scarier every day," said Tammy Collins, a mother of two sons.
Martha Cronebach said she keeps close watch on children who attend a school across the street from her house. "I worry about these kids," she said.
School superintendent Al Hennon said bus drivers and security guards have been extra vigilant, and the local newspaper, The Independent, is offering a reward.