COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA -  Police said a man was in custody late Monday afternoon, charged with the attempted kidnapping of a fifth grade girl.

 

Police charged 19-year-old Nathan Busse with kidnapping, assault with intent to commit sexual abuse, enticing a minor and child stealing. He was undergoing a mental evaluation Monday night, police said, and will have a bond hearing Tuesday morning.

 

Police said the girl was finishing up her duty as a crossing guard Monday afternoon at Edison Elementary when Busse approached her near the 2300 block of 3rd Avenue. He said "What's up?" and grabbed her arm.  The girl broke free and police say he grabbed her again.

 

Police say the girl finally broke free after a struggle and ran to a family member, who was there to pick her up.  Police say the girl's father located Busse a short distance away and detained him until police arrived. 

 

Police wouldn't go into detail, but Sgt. Dave Dawson with Council Bluff's Criminal Investigation Division said that during questioning, "there were some things that were mentioned {by Busse} during that interview as to what we intended on doing with the victim and this is why is was charged with {assault with intent to commit sexual abuse}."

 

Busse had no known connection to Edison Elementary, the school district, or the student, Diane Osterowski, School District Spokesperson said. Dawson said he has no criminal history.

 

Monday night, the Council Bluffs school district was sending out messages to all of the families in the district. Parents were encouraged to talk to their kids about stranger danger. They also posted the following tips on their website:

 

-A stranger is defined as anyone you don't know.

-Do NOT walk or play outside alone. Walk to and from home with a friend or with a group.      

-Ignore strangers, turn away and walk towards another adult or a group of children.

-NEVER approach a stranger's car, even if they have a cute animal, ask for directions, offer to give you something, or appear to be nice and friendly.

-Tell an adult right away if a stranger does approach you.

-Be prepared to share specifics about the stranger, such as the color and type of the car, license plate, hair color, etc, if it is safe to take note of these specifics without putting yourself at risk. 

 

Osterowski said counselors and teachers would be prepared to talk with students Tuesday about Monday's incident. 

 

"It's good for the whole community to be reminded that there are some people out there who are up to no good," Osterowski said.