Berkeley middle-schoolers walk away from apparent abduction try

Berkeley police are investigating an apparent effort to abduct middle school students on Friday by a man driving a mini-van.

The first reported incident occurred around 8:20 a.m., as two female students were walking to Willard Middle School on Telegraph Avenue near Stuart Street.

After police began their investigation, they learned that a similar incident had occurred at about the same time a few short blocks to the south near Telegraph Avenue and Derby Street.

According to the police statement, the man in both incidents was described as being in his thirties, heavy set with dark hair and a mustache.