UPDATED: Police Warn of Child Abduction at Bus Stops

The Shrewsbury police are warning residents of an attempted child abduction incident on Grace Avenue, according to the Shrewsbury Lantern.

The Lantern reported that the suspect is a white male, 20 to 30 years old, glasses, balding and driving a white, Subaru Outback type of vehicle.

They also said, "He is reported to have stopped at a school bus stop in the vicinity of Grace Avenue, approached schoolchildren and asking if they were waiting for their parents and wanted a ride," according to the Lantern.

St. Mary's School Principal Joan Barry emailed out a warning to parents about the reported bus stop incident.

"I was asked by the Shrewsbury police to let you know the following: Two of our students were approached by a man at their bus stop Friday afternoon, asking them if they were waiting for their parents and asking them if they wanted a ride. Please warn parents to be on the lookout for a male, 20-30 years old, glasses, balding, driving an older model, white Subaru Outback type of vehicle. Please be on the look out and if you see such a person, call the police."

Parents and residents who live near bus stops are urged to call 911 if they see anyone suspicious.

Here are some safety tips for children and parents at bus stops:

1. Parents should ensure that if possible, an adult waits with children at school bus stops (not always possible with one-parent families or where both parents work), but something could be worked out with all parents of children at the bus stop to be there on a rotating basis.
2. Know the path your child takes to and from home to the school bus stop.
3. Tell your children to avoid short cuts through woods, alleys, parks or other areas where they could be alone.
4. Identify safe houses along the way that your child could run to or into for help if needed.
5. Insure 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.
6. If children feels concerned for their safety, they should always tell their parents and the bus driver of any such concern.
7. 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.
8. Report any suspicious vehicle. Write down the license number and provide it to school and law enforcement officials.
9. Stand away from any vehicle that stops near the bus stop and do not allow yourself to come close to or enter the vehicle of someone you don’t want to.
10. Run from anyone displaying a weapon. Do this while throwing books, yelling and making as much noise as you can. Under no circumstances go with an abductor. Kick, bite and no matter what the threat, do not go along with your kidnapper. Once he takes you away, your chances of survival greatly diminish.

Tips courtesy of www.livesecure.org

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