Community advisory regarding possible attempted child luring

Published 2:57 pm Tuesday, March 31, 2015

The following is a release from the Bothell Police Department.

The Bothell Police Department is investigating a possible attempted luring of a junior high school student that occurred in the 4700 block of 244th St. SE, in the City of Bothell.

On Mar. 26, between 7:20 and 7:40 a.m., a 15-year-old girl was waiting at her school bus stop when a white vehicle drove up and stopped directly across the street from her.

The driver, described as a white male in his 20’s, rolled down his window and asked the victim several questions, including where she lived and if her parents were home. The driver opened his door and looked as he if was going to step out of the vehicle, but closed the door and quickly drove off as the school bus was arriving.

The suspect was further described as having very short, dark hair, and he was driving a white, late 1980’s or early 1990’s vehicle, resembling a Honda or Toyota. The vehicle was described as “junky, dirty, and in poor condition.”

Bothell officers have increased patrols in school bus stop areas, and detectives are following up and investigating the incident. Detectives are also searching for any other similar reported or unreported incidents. Citizens are encouraged to immediately report any suspicious activities to 9-1-1.

The Bothell Police Department recommends the following safety tips:

General Safety Tips:

• Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early. Children arriving late for the bus may be tempted to run across the street, causing them to possibly trip and fall in front of a moving bus or another vehicle.
• Walk your young child to school or the bus stop and when possible, have older children walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see.
• Wear bright-colored clothing and carry flashlights or wear reflective clothing when it’s dark out.  Ensure your child does not have his or her name on a backpack, etc., as this would enable a potential abductor to call out to the child by name.
• If walking alone, remind your child to stick to a predetermined route.
• Identify safe houses along the way that your child could run to or into for help if needed.
• Make sure your child stands at least 10 feet (5 giant steps) from the road while waiting for the bus. The child will then be out of the way of traffic. Have younger children practice taking 5 giant steps to become familiar with 10 feet.

Talk to Your Child about Stranger Awareness:

• A stranger is anybody you do not know – regardless of how nice a person looks or acts.
• Never accept rides, candy, gifts, money, etc., from strangers.
• Never get close to cars occupied by people you don’t know. Be careful if they call out to you to come closer for help or directions. It’s easy for a stranger to pull you into a car if you get close enough. Don’t be fooled by people who claim to know you or your parents. That does not mean that you know them.  Adults and other people who need help should not be asking a child for help; they should be asking other adults. Adults should not be asking you for directions or to look for a “lost puppy,” or telling you that your mother or father is in trouble and that they will take you to them.
• Quickly get away from anyone who tries to take you somewhere. Yell or scream, “This person is not my father (or mother).”
• Never give your name, address, phone number or any information about yourself to someone you do not know.
• If approached on the way to or from the bus stop or at the bus stop, tell your parents, the bus driver and school officials.
• Report any suspicious vehicle. Write down the license number and provide it to school and law enforcement officials.