ATTACK: Masked man grabs woman who was jogging in park

WEST ALLIS (WITI) -- Was a woman nearly kidnapped in a public park? West Allis police are investigating a report of an attempted abduction in Greenfield Park near W. Lincoln Ave. that happened just after 8:30 p.m. on Monday, May 5th.

The victim told police she was sitting in a pavilion area near a playground when a man approached her in the park and placed her in a bear hug. The victim was able to get away from the suspect, flee the area and call police.

The victim described the suspect as a white man, approximately 5'7" tall with a large build. He was also wearing a black ski mask.

Police say the suspect fled the scene in a white van headed westbound on Lincoln Ave.

"It's very concerning," West Allis Deputy Police Chief Bob Fletcher said.

Those who frequent the park were shocked to hear what happened.

"Very shocked and surprised that it would have been in this park. I walk here quite often and feel very safe here," Caroline Ognenoff said.

"There's always different age groups here -- teenagers without their parents," a park-goer told FOX6 News.

Now, law enforcement officials are trying to figure out who did this, and why.

"We are looking at our different suspicious activity calls over the last few months to make sure we're not missing any connections," Fletcher said.

While it's unknown whether this was a targeted or random attack, this incident has people on edge.

"I think it's just keeping our eyes open, and being safe when we walk," Ognenoff said.

"It's a reminder to keep us on our toes. Anything can happen anywhere," a park-goer said.

If you have information regarding suspicious people or behavior around parks in the City of West Allis -- contact the West Allis Police Department.

Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.