Hawaii County police arrested a man suspected of attempting to kidnap and sexually assault a girl in a Hilo public school restroom this morning.

Police launched an intensive search for the suspect after the child escaped from the man at about 6:30 a.m.

They issued a public appeal for help and said the suspect was last seen on Kapiolani Street heading in the direction of Haili Street. He was described as in his 30s with a brown complexion, 6-foot-1, 200 pounds with brown or black hair and no facial hair.

Shortly after issuing the appeal, police announced they had caught a suspect on Aupuni Street in Hilo. The suspect, a 35-year-old Pahoa man, was booked for investigation of sexual assault and kidnapping. He was being held at the Hilo cellblock.