Four Incidents Reported Of Man Approaching Kids
Four incidents of a suspicious man approaching Valley schoolchildren have been reported to the Sheriff’s Department this month.
The first two incidents appear to be related, Sheriff’s Detective Bill Francis said. The others do not.
In the apparently related incidents, a white man tried to lure girls into his car while they were walking home from school by offering them candy.
The man is described as white, 6 feet tall, slim, between 50 and 60 years old and balding with brown and gray hair.
In a separate incident, a man attempted to abduct a 14-year-old girl who fought back and escaped.
Although suspicious person and vehicle reports are common, this many reports of suspects approaching children after school is a concern, Francis said.
In the first incident, on Feb. 6, a man approached a 6-year-old girl at Third and Adams Road and tried to lure her into a light-colored, twodoor car. The Adams Elementary student refused and the suspect drove off, deputies said.
On Feb. 10, a man of similar description asked an 11-year-old girl to get into his car at McDonald and Olive. He was driving a green, twodoor car, possibly a 1960s model, that emits smoke, Francis said.
The man sped away when a car pulled up behind him, deputies said.
On Feb. 13, a white man, described as being between 40 and 50 years old, of medium build, attempted to abduct a 14-year-old girl at Havana and Fairview.
The man, who was driving a white and green Dodge van with neon green windshield wipers, offered the girl a ride as she was walking home after school. She refused, but he got out of the van and tried to grab her from behind.
“She basically kicked him in the groin,” Francis said, and she escaped and ran home.
On Feb. 21, a man in a gray car with brown stripes approached a group of children at Alki and Bessie. The man asked the children - three girls and a boy - to get into his car, but they fled.
The man is described as being between 25 and 30 years old, with hair cut short on top and a ponytail. He is said to be Asian or Hispanic.
xxxx Keep kids safe The Spokane County Sheriff’s Department suggests that parents share these safety tips with their children: Walk in pairs or groups. Stay aware of your surroundings. Don’t talk to strangers who approach you. Never get into a car with a stranger.