FALLBROOK, Calif. - Authorities asked the public for help Friday in identifying a man who tried to lure a 9-year-old girl into his vehicle outside her North County school.

The child was standing in front of La Paloma Elementary School in Fallbrook, waiting for a family member to pick her up, when a white truck pulled up next to her about 4 p.m. Thursday, sheriff's Lt. Todd Richardson said.

The driver, who was partially concealing his face, tried to coax the girl into the pickup. She responded by backing away, after which another pupil's parent walked over to see what was happening, Richardson said.

At that point, the would-be abductor drove off, Richardson said.

The girl described him as a heavyset white man in his 40s or early 50s, with reddish skin on his neck and arms.

Anyone with information about the incident was asked to call San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. Tipsters may remain anonymous and could be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.