Police are searching for a suspect who attempted to abduct a 17-year-old girl Friday night behind a Pathmark store in Mount Vernon.

The victim, whose name has not been disclosed, says she was walking on East 2nd Street when a green SUV pulled up to the curb and a man offered her a ride. When she refused, the man allegedly tried to abduct her.

The girl told police she had to hit the man in the face after he grabbed her arm and tried to pull her into his vehicle. She escaped without injury.

She described the attacker as a black male in his 40s, with a light complexion and a round face.

Many who live and shop in the area where the incident took place say they are shocked to hear this could happen.

?I wouldn't encourage anyone to let their children around here if that's what's happening,? says Monique Johnson, of Mount Vernon.

Police are searching for the would-be abductor. So far, no arrests have been made.