Possible Dubuque Abduction Attempt As Search for Evansdale Cousins Continues

A girl in Dubuque may have been involved in an abduction attempt, she told police there Monday.

KWWL reported an 11-year-old girl told police a man in a white van pulled in front of her, opened the side door of his van, touched her face and told her she was a very beautiful girl. The girl said she slapped his hand away and ran.

Police are investigating the incident, and so far there is nothing to suggest it is connected to the case of two missing cousins in Evansdale.

Elizabeth Collins, 8, and Lyric Cook-Morrissey, 10, have been missing since July 13. They were last seen riding their bikes in the vicinity of Meyer's Lake in Evansdale, and their bikes and a purse were later found near the lake.

Authorities are offering a $50,000 reward for anyone who can provide information leading to recovery of the girls. The FBI, which is assisting with the investigation, is seeking a paddle boater who was believed to be on Meyers Lake when the girls disappeared.

An FBI spokesperson said the boater is not considered a suspect, but may have information that could help.

Authorities also want to speak with anyone who was at Meyers Lake before 3 p.m. on July 13.

Anyone with information or who was at the lake that day should call the tip-line at (319) 232-6682.