Quick-thinking teen stops child being pulled into car in abduction attempt

News
Crime

Author: Vidhhi Panchal,
Publish Date: Fri, 28 Aug 2026, 4:30pm

A Papakura High School student has been praised for stopping an attempted abduction of a Kelvin Road School pupil. Photo / Google Streetview

A South Auckland girl who stopped a youngster from being pulled into a car by a stranger as they walked to school is being praised for her quick thinking to avert an abduction.

The primary-aged child was walking to Kelvin Road School in Papakura last Friday morning when they were approached by a stranger who tried to lure them into a vehicle.

At this point the teenager realised the youngster was in trouble and acted as the child’s older sister before walking them safely to school.

In a message to parents, principal Heather Tanner said a bad situation was averted by a Papakura High School student who had the foresight and care for a younger child.

After intervening by pretending to be an older sister, she walked the child from harm’s way and made sure they reached the school gate without incident.

Tanner said they found out about the attempt after the teen reported it to high school staff, who contacted the primary school.

She said the “scruffy” would-be abductor had a beard, was wearing black clothing and driving a dented grey sedan.

The principal thanked the teenage girl for her quick and courageous actions, saying the school was “very grateful”.

“The child took action to save a child in need to provide support and guidance,” she said.

Papakura High School principal Simon Craggs said they were extremely proud of the student, who acted fast in a potentially scary situation.

“It would have been easy to walk past and rationalise that it was a family member but she knew something wasn’t right and had the courage to intervene,” he said.

He said the student would be recognised at school assembly for demonstrating the school’s values and setting an example for others.

Police have been approached for comment.