COLUMBIA — Police are searching for a man who attempted to abduct an 11-year-old boy on Friday night.

Police were called after the boy was able to escape from the man, who grabbed the boy while sitting in a van about 8 p.m. Police said the boy initially approached the man near Locust and North Main streets but then ran from the van. The boy told his older sister what happened and police were then contacted.

Early Saturday, police released updated information about the suspect's description. The suspect is described as white male with a medium build in his mid to late 30s. He has a medium complexion, brown hair and a very short, military-style haircut. He also has a light goatee and a mole near his left nostril.

He was wearing a gred hooded sweatshirt similar to the color of the Green Bay Packers football team, but there wasn't any markings on the hoodie.

He was driving a dark red or maroon 2002 to 2005 Dodge Caravan with a red front license plate that had white letters.

The victim was not physically harmed.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Columbia Police Department at 281-5151.

Last week, police in nearby Waterloo had issued a warning to residents to be on the lookout for a suspicious motorist who had on at least three occasions during the past month approached small children in the city.

Columbia Police Chief Joe Edwards said investigators are looking into whether these incidents are related.