Winston-Salem, NC-- Police in Winston-Salem are investigating a report of an attempted kidnapping of a small child.
Officers responded to Pecan Ridge Road Sunday evening after the alleged incident happened.
The possible victims were a 5-year-old and her 8-year-old sibling.
The children's mother says around 6:39 PM, her husband and kids were playing in the driveway.
Her husband received a Father's Day call and ran inside to get the phone and that's when she says a car slowly pulled next to the 5-year-old who was near the curb.
"He rolled down his window and said, 'hi, there,' in a very nice tone according to my 8-year-old," the mother said. "At that point he begins to open his door. My 5-year-old immediately knew what he was trying to do."
The mother says the 5-year-old jumped off her bicycle and ran inside with her sister.
It's taken three days but the impact of what happened Sunday evening has finally sunk in for the family which has requested they remain anonymous for fear of retaliation.
"I cried all day today, I was extremely emotional," the mother said. "I would not want this to happen to any other family."
Neighbors, meanwhile, tell us they are watching their kids more closely after the alleged incident.
"I think every parent that will be your worse nightmare to have your child missing," said Scott Jefferies.
Based on the family's description, police are looking for a mixed-race man, with a Hispanic accent. He's balding with brown hair on the sides. He may be in his 30s and drives a dark green Acura.
The kids told their parents there was a dent on the passenger side. And it's a two-door car.
If you know anything, call Winston Salem police.
The mother of the children stresses that they are always with their children but it just took a minute away for the attempted kidnapping to happen.
News 2 turned to the Rockingham County Sheriff's Department for some tips to share with your child.
Sheriff Sam Page says tell them to:
-Not talk to strangers when you aren't around.
-Don't take anything a stranger is offers.
-Don't tell them your name or where you live or any other personal information
-If you're approached, you should either run away or draw attention to yourself.
-If a stranger comes to your door, and your parents aren't home, don't let the person know that you're home alone.
WFMY News 2/Winston-Salem Police Dept.