Community calls for action to find 11-year-old's attacker

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A man who kidnapped and sexually assaulted an 11-year-old Highland Park girl who was on her way to school is still out there -- and community leaders say they won't idly stand by.

During a press conference Tuesday, political, religious, educational and law enforcement leaders made a call for action to the public to help them find whoever is responsible.

"We really take this personal about what happened, especially an innocent young lady walking to school, minding her own business and doing what she's supposed to be doing, and this unfortunately happened in our city," said Highland Park Mayor DeAndre Windom.

Volunteers plan to pass out fliers and meet with police and FBI investigators to help solve the case.

"This is not a Highland Park issue, this is a people issue and it's going to take the people standing up," said activist Malik Shabazz.

The girl was grabbed by the man the morning of Dec. 10 as she ran to catch a bus on Church Street in the area of McNichols and John R.

Police said she was taken to an abandoned house and sexually assaulted.

Police have released a sketch of the girl's attacker and at least $2,000 is being offered as a reward in the case. Anonymous tips can be called into Crime Stoppers at 800-SPEAKUP.