Three young girls walking home from school Monday afternoon were confronted by a short and heavyweight man they said was in his 60s who reportedly grabbed the 6-year-old from behind and under her arms, lifting her off the ground.

Manteca Police Sergeant Jodie Estarziau said that one of her sisters pulled the frightened youngster out of the man’s grasp and they all ran for home several blocks away.

The incident occurred shortly before 4 p.m. in the 500 block of East Edison Avenue.  One of the girls had to stay after school to finish some work and the other two girls waited for her so they could walk together, Estarziau said.

Police have initiated an investigation and are cautioning parents who have children walking in the area west of Shasta Elementary School.  Anyone who witnessed the incident is urged to call the Manteca Police Department.