Two reports of strangers approaching children on their way to school in Jacksonville neighborhoods within one week have parents and community members on edge.
The reports came from two different Jacksonville neighborhoods. In both cases, authorities said a stranger approached a child on the way to school and attempted to lure the child into a vehicle.
Duval County Public Schools said Wednesday morning that a stranger in a green pickup truck approached a student from Oceanway Middle School who was standing at a bus stop.
The student reported that the stranger offered the student a ride. The student said no, and an adult reportedly stepped in.
At Lone Star Elementary School, the investigation took a new turn Thursday after the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office detained the driver of a vehicle connected to one of the incidents.
According to JSO, the driver had all of the vehicle’s seats laid down and had two cellphones. Investigators took possession of the phones, the driver’s wallet and the vehicle as part of the investigation.
The driver was later released. JSO has not announced any charges against him in connection with the reported incident.
Crime and safety expert Ken Jefferson said the similarities between the two cases do not necessarily mean they are connected.
“Predators typically work alone, so I wouldn’t necessarily say there’s a correlation between the two incidents unless it’s the same person using a different vehicle in a different area,” Jefferson said.
Jefferson said investigators are working with limited information as they try to determine who may be responsible. He also said the behavior described in the cases could provide investigators with opportunities to identify a suspect.
“They lurk. They lurk, and they wait. They wait for the right opportunity to do something like this,” Jefferson said.
Safety tips for children
Lone Star Elementary’s principal is also reminding families to review stranger-safety rules with their children.
The school recommends that children:
Use the buddy system and avoid walking alone whenever possible.
Do not approach a stranger in a vehicle. If a stranger speaks to them, children do not have to respond.
Never go anywhere with someone they do not know, even if that person offers treats, toys or pets.
Never walk away with a stranger, regardless of what the person promises or says.
If someone grabs them or tries to pull them toward a vehicle, fight to get away. Children can drop to the ground, kick, hit, bite and scream.
Draw attention from people nearby by yelling for help. The school recommends children specifically scream, “This is not my dad” or “This is not my mom” if someone is attempting to take them.
If someone appears to be following them, try to remember the vehicle’s license plate number and immediately tell a trusted adult.
Tell a parent, teacher, school employee or another trusted adult if a stranger approaches them or makes them uncomfortable, even if the person did not physically touch them.
When walking to school, stay in familiar, well-traveled areas and avoid shortcuts through isolated locations.
Children should know how to contact a parent or trusted adult and, in an emergency, call 911.