Search Underway for Man Who Told Boy, 8, to Get in His Truck

Authorities say the incident occurred near El Cajon, California on Thursday afternoon.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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An 8-year-old boy was walking home from school in the Bostonia area near El Cajon, California on Thursday when a white pickup truck stopped next to him and the driver, described as a bald, muscular white man with tattoos, told the boy to get in the vehicle. The boy ran away and a witness called the boy's mother. The San Diego County Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident as a possible child abduction attempt.

Why it matters

Child abduction attempts are a serious concern for communities, and this incident has raised alarm among local residents. Authorities are working to identify the suspect and determine if there are any other similar incidents in the area.

The details

According to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, the incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Thursday on Greenfield Drive near State Route 67. The 8-year-old boy was walking home from school when the white pickup truck pulled up next to him and the driver told him to get in the vehicle. The boy ran away and a witness who saw the incident waited with the boy until his mother arrived. Detectives are now investigating the case and are asking the public for any information that could help identify the suspect.

  • The incident occurred around 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2026.

The players

San Diego County Sheriff's Office

The local law enforcement agency investigating the incident as a possible child abduction attempt.

8-year-old boy

The victim who was approached by the man in the truck while walking home from school.

Witness

A woman who saw the incident and waited with the boy until his mother arrived.

Suspect

A bald, muscular white man with several tattoos who was driving a white pickup truck.

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What they’re saying

“The boy ran away from the vehicle, which then drove away.”

— Detective Sgt. Colin Snodgrass, San Diego County Sheriff's Office (NBC 7/TELEMUNDO 20)

“A woman witnessed the incident and, believing it suspicious, waited with the boy until his mother arrived.”

— Detective Sgt. Colin Snodgrass, San Diego County Sheriff's Office (NBC 7/TELEMUNDO 20)

What’s next

Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident and are asking anyone with information about the suspect or the truck to contact the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

The takeaway

This attempted child abduction has raised concerns in the community and highlights the importance of vigilance and reporting suspicious activity to authorities. Parents are encouraged to have conversations with their children about safety and what to do in similar situations.