Police Department

Suspicious male attempts to lure child into car from a School bus stop

Corporal Maplethorpe

Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 7:34 p.m.

***Update***

Earlier reported attempted child luring is cleared up by family as a misunderstanding.

Earlier this week on January 28^th SPD received a call of an attempted child luring.  Children at a bus stop in the NW part of town were contacted by a male who called one the children by name and attempted to contact him.  The child did not know the man and fled, once home he told his parents what happened and they reported it to police.  People in the area have been on a heightened state of awareness and provided SPD with possible tips and information regarding the incident. 

Family of the child from the original incident have reached out to police and advised that the potential suspect was actually a cousin who recognized the child and called out to him.  The child had not seen him for years and did not recognize him.   

SPD appreciates all the concerned neighbors who kept a watchful eye and reported information to police as well as the family taking time to re-contact us and provide the explanation to what happened as the incident caused increased stress on many in the area.   

***Original Release***

Suspicious male attempts to lure a child into his car from a School bus stop.

Today, January 28, 2020, at approximately 3:15 PM, an unknown male approached several children at a school bus stop near N Victor St and W Lyons Ave.  The male called one of the children by name and attempted to get the child to get into his car by claiming to be a family member.  The child did not recognize the stranger and fled the area, later telling his parents.  Officers checked the area when the incident was reported but were not able to locate the suspect.

The suspect is described as a younger white male wearing a black hooded sweatshirt driving an older grey sedan.

SPD encourages people to teach their children not to get into vehicles with strangers.  Explain to them to run away from the stranger if they do not feel safe and to tell a trusted adult about the incident as soon as possible.   

Anyone having witnessed, or having information regarding,  the incident, but have not yet spoken with police, please call Crime Check (509-456-2233).

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