Lompoc kids say two people tried to lure them into van

A stranger danger alert out of Lompoc tonight. Three kids say they survived a kidnapping attempt on Sunday.

Police did confirm they have at least one report of this happening.

“He said do you want to come in my van and get a balloon and we all just said no and started running,” Heidee Alejandro of Lompoc said.

Heidee Alejandro and her friend say that older model black colored Dodge van was being driven by a Latino man and woman on Sunday on North M Street in Lompoc.

“And the windows were spray painted black,” Alejandro said.

The two friends say the man and the woman were talking to them in Spanish.

“Oh he was wearing a yellow shirt and he was fat,” Alejandro said.

They say the couple was telling them that they had balloons and cotton candy for sale, trying to lure them inside the van.

“I was just scared,” Alejandro said.

She was scared – but says she knew what to do when strange people talk to her.

“My mom said if somebody tries to get you then just run,” Alejandro said.

And run is exactly what those girls did.

“The woman was like trying to look for little girls..because there was a bunch of kids and she brought the cotton candy sticks out,” Alejandro said. “When my brothers went over there he said we’re not selling any more balloons and he had a lot and was just waiting for more little girls to come by.”

Alejandro’s mom didn’t want her face to be shown on camera – she told us she’s proud that her daughter did the right thing.

“And they were histerical so I called the cops right away and gave a description of the van, what we could,” Alejandro’s mother Anna Recio said.

The alleged attempted kidnapping happened just across the street from Lompoc High School. Police say they were unable to locate the van that the kids say the two people were driving.

“It was scary, I actually had a panic attack because that’s my daughter.. so I think parents should tell their kids to not even get close to people who are selling things like that,” Recio said.

If you notice any suspicious activity, you’re always encouraged to contact your local police department. Lompoc PD: (805) 736-2341