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The teenager was walking the family dog along Timberline Court at about 5 p.m. when a man she did not know drove up in a car and physically grabbed her, according to the Putnam County sheriff's department. The girl struggled, enduring minor scratches in the incident, and the man drove away, according to the sheriff's department.
"I assume people are being careful," Supervisor Bob Tendy said. "I caution people to be alert and remain vigilant. Don't take your safety for granted."
Lisa Kaslyn, a Putnam County resident, said the county's safety is the reason some move to Putnam from New York City and other locations.
"But when frightening random attacks like this happen it puts the community on guard -- particularly parents," Kaslyn said.
Patty Hopinthal, a Mahopac resident, said parents must teach their children to be alert and aware of their surroundings.
"No neighborhood is safe, no matter where you live," Hopinthal said. "It is sad but true. I am glad that this poor kid got away with just some scratches."
The teenager used a cell phone to call 911. Sheriff’s deputies and state troopers unsuccessfully looked for the suspect.
The girl said the man was white, in his 20s, and drove a late-model silver or white four-door sedan, according to the sheriff's department.
The vehicle had New York license plates with a white background, and the man was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, jeans, and black sneakers, according to the sheriff's department.
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