A 13-year-old girl in Texas had a harrowing escape from an attempted kidnapping that occurred in broad daylight on Monday. The suspect, reportedly wearing a ski mask, attempted to snatch her from behind while she was on her way to school, as per local authorities.

The incident unfolded as the young girl was en route to Central Middle School in Galveston, just before 7 a.m. She became aware of the danger when she heard footsteps approaching her from behind, according to a statement from the Galveston Police Department.

Reports indicate that the man grabbed her from behind, instigating a brief struggle.

In a courageous act of self-defense, the girl bit the assailant twice, which allowed her to escape without suffering any physical harm. She immediately ran to her school and alerted her teachers, who promptly contacted law enforcement.

The Galveston Police Department released an image of the suspect, captured on October 27, 2025, showing the man accused of the attempted abduction walking in Galveston, Texas.

After being informed of the incident, the girl’s parents arrived at the school to assist police officers. They accompanied them to their apartment and retraced her morning route, aiding in identifying the exact location where the incident took place.

Investigators were able to obtain security footage from a nearby business that shows the student walking through the area, followed shortly by a man taking the same path, police said.

A man seen on surveillance video is accused of grabbing a 13-year-old girl walking to school in Galveston, Texas, on Oct. 27, 2025.  (Galveston Police Department/Google Maps)

Authorities said the video shows the suspect, believed to be a white or Hispanic male, wearing a black short-sleeve shirt, blue jeans and what appeared to be a ski mask.

Police also issued an alert to local medical facilities, asking them to notify authorities if anyone sought treatment for bite-related injuries.

Police say a man with what appeared to be a ski mask tried to abduct a13-year-old girl in Galveston, Texas, on Oct. 27, 2025. (Galveston Police Department)

Officials urged anyone with information about the suspect’s identity to contact the Galveston Police Department at 409-763-3777.

Fox News Digital reached out to the Galveston Police Department for more information.