The Mower County Free Fair begins today, and while residents are looking forward to a week of fun, law enforcement is urging people to be careful after an attempted abduction on Saturday at the Freeborn County Fair.

According to a press release issued by the Freeborn County Sheriff’s Office, Freeborn County deputies were conducting a foot patrol of the Midway at 9:55 p.m. on Saturday at the Freeborn County Fair when they were stopped by a 12-year-old female. She stated she had been walking on the south side of the fairgrounds when someone grabbed her waist from behind and told her, “Keep walking and nobody will get hurt.”

She said she complied for a matter of a few seconds when another female yelled at the male to leave the juvenile female alone. The suspect then fled on foot.

The only description given of the suspect is that it was an adult male who wore dark shoes with white laces and had an abnormally deep voice.

The incident took place approximately 45 minutes to an hour before the juvenile female spoke with deputies.

Senior Sgt. Investigator Steve Sandvik of the Mower County Sheriff’s Office offered the following tips to stay safe at the Mower County Free Fair:

• Children first – “First and foremost we ask that parents keep a close eye on their children,” Sandvik said. “Do not let them wander off.”

• Report suspicious activity immediately – “If you see suspicious things, let law enforcement and fair security know right away,” he said. “Do not wait.”

• Be aware of your surroundings – “Be smart about where you are and don’t wander into dark areas alone,” he said.

• If someone grabs you or attempts to abduct you, make noise – “If you’re in a public area, immediately let people know you’re not happy with what’s going on,” he said. “Scream and alert people that you do not want this individual touching you.”

• Walk in pairs – “If you’re going to go into a relatively isolated area, like a parking lot, go with somebody or let others know where you’re going,” he said. “There are Mower County Posse members who can escort you if you want.”

The Mower County Posse consists of volunteers who patrol the grounds, Sandvik said. Anyone seeking an escort can go to the Posse’s security office located west of the Plager Building.

“We want everyone to come out and have fun; we don’t want anyone to be scared,” Sandvik said. “Let’s just make sure we keep track of ourselves and our neighbors and have a great week at the Mower County Fair.”