HURST/GRAPEVINE (WBAP/KLIF News) – Police are warning parents to be on alert after two suspicious incidents involving a stranger approaching a child near an elementary school have been reported in the Metroplex this week.
In Grapevine, a 10-year-old boy was approached by a stranger while walking home from Heritage Elementary School on Monday. On Tuesday, a 9-year-old girl reported that she was approached by a stranger while walking near the Harrison Lane Elementary School in Hurst.
The Hurst Police Department said that the girl told them the driver of a black van was driving slowly down the street and was watching her as she walked home.
She said the driver stopped his van a few feet away from her, got out and walked toward her. She ran home and told her family.
The driver is described as a Hispanic man with a thin build, short hair and a mustache. The van is described as being very dirty with no windows on the sides of back with light blue-colored hubcaps on the wheels.
Hurst PD said that no criminal offense is being investigated at this time but are asking anyone who may have witnessed this incident or has more information on the case to contact them.
The Grapevine Police Department said it increased patrols around Heritage Elementary in response to its suspicious person report.
The department’s Amanda McNew said the student’s father told police that his son was approached by a strange man who drove up and asked if he wanted a free ride home.
“According to the 10-year-old, he did not recognize who the driver was and ran off. He got away safely and could not give a description of the driver or the vehicle,” she said.
McNew said it’s important for parents to give their children clear instructions on what to do if they’re approached by a stranger.
“There are people out there who you don’t have to talk to be polite. If someone is approaching you to get in a car, it is okay to get away from them,” she said.
The department is encouraging all residents to report any suspicious activity immediately.
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