COEUR d'ALENE - The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office wants the public's help finding a man and his van after he allegedly attempted to rob two people with a knife.

The attempted robbery was repelled when one of the alleged victims pulled a pistol in defense.

The incident was reported around noon Wednesday by a man who said he was sightseeing with his young daughter at Higgens Point when another man allegedly approached them and said, "Have any money?" Lt. Stu Miller, a sheriff's office spokesman, said in a news release.

The father described the van as being a 1970s-style model that is blue with tinted windows, Miller said. It was last seen traveling on Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive.

The father said the van also had a rear ladder, full luggage rack on top, a large rust spot on the driver's side door, a cracked rear window and light-colored license plate, possibly issued by Washington or California, Miller said.

"According to the (officer's) report, the male approached him on foot and was 15 to 20 feet from him and his 2-year-old daughter when the alleged comment was made," Miller told The Press Friday.

The man is described as "possibly Hispanic" with shoulder-length hair and a thin mustache.

When he saw the knife, the father said he immediately drew a pistol he was carrying and pointed it at the man.

The man fled to the van and left the area, heading westbound on Coeur d'Alene Lake Drive.

The father followed the van for a short time, but lost it after a couple of miles, Miller's news release said.

The sheriff's office would like help finding the blue van, and any other information the public could provide about the incident.

Sheriff's office: (208) 446-1300.