SANFORD — Sanford police continue to investigate an apparent attempted abduction of an 18-year-old woman Friday night.

Police Chief Thomas Connolly said the woman, who lives in Sanford, was walking on Eastern Avenue near Brooks Street shortly before 9 p.m. Friday when a man attempted to force her into a maroon Kia Soul. The woman wrestled with the man before freeing herself, and the man then took off in his vehicle,  said Connolly.

The woman received minor injuries and reported the incident to police as soon as she found a phone, Connolly said. She told police the man was between 5 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 10 inches tall.

Over the weekend, investigators developed several leads and identified a person of interest, Connolly said.

“I’m fairly confident we’re going to close this soon,” Connolly said. “This is a top-priority case. Whenever someone tries to snatch a woman off the street that’s very serious.”

Police are also looking for a witness to the alleged abduction attempt. Connolly said the man was walking his dog in the area at the time of the attack.