Police on Monday released photos of the suspect and the vehicle he was driving.
Investigators say the incident happened on March 20 around 11:24 a.m.
The suspect started walking with the girl on the 200 block of E. Salaignac St. before allegedly groping her, police said.
The man then allegedly asked the girl to get into his vehicle, which was parked on the block, but the 12-year-old refused and walked away.
The suspect is between 35 and 40 years old. He was wearing a gray & black checkered hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored pants with a white emblem on the left leg, and black & white sneakers.
He was driving a white SUV, possibly a 2018 Kia Sorento, with an unknown tag.
It happened right outside the Cook Wissahickon School.
After the incident was reported, officials from the school sent a notice to parents reading, in part, "The safety of our students is of the utmost importance to us. Please be vigilant around the school and neighborhood for anyone suspicious."
Anyone with information is asked to call or text Philadelphia police at 215-686-TIPS (8477) or submit an anonymous tip online.
RELATED: Check the 6abc Neighborhood Safety Tracker