SHILLINGTON, Pa. — Five days after a frightening encounter, police are still searching for the man Caitlyn Olsavsky says followed her daughter through Shillington.
“She started noticing that he was still following her,” Olsavsky said. “She was kind of trying to zigzag down some streets to try to lose him and noticing that he was turning up the hill, turning around, trying to block her and cut her off.”
Olsavsky said her daughter called her father as she reached the alley behind their home. She said the driver motioned for the girl to come closer and offered her money.
Berks County District Attorney John Adams said that detail is especially concerning.
“When that stranger is offering money to an unknown child, that sets the red flag,” Adams said. “The red flags need to be raised.”
Adams said investigators can use cameras and other technology to search for the white SUV. However, with so many similar vehicles on the road, the process could take time.
As the search continues, Adams said children should act immediately if they feel unsafe.
“The best thing a child can do if someone tries to abduct them is take action,” Adams said.
“Don’t be passive or polite,” he added. “Take action, fight and run, and don’t give in to an offer for money, an offer for a ride.”
Police are asking residents along State Street, Reading Avenue, Pennsylvania Avenue and North Wyomissing Avenue to check security-camera footage recorded around the time of the encounter last Wednesday evening.