How to catch Abra in leaf green?

I ran into one in a grass patch near the bridge- nugget bridge or something- and tried to catch it. Unfortunately I tried to weaken him first, the attack missed, and he teleported. I went back later and tried just using the ball, but he busted out like it was no one's business. And THEN he teleported. lol. How can I weaken him to catch him w/out accidently killing him (I have a few high level pokemon compared to him), or just flat out catch him? I always like abra and his evolutions, so I'd love this guy.