Atlas Twp. – A parent at the bus stop is important, says Reid Elementary Principal Paul Minns in response to a March 25 incident of a child being approached by adults in a white pickup truck.
According to a note sent home the following day, a male and female in the white truck approached a second-grader near an M-15 subdivision, stating the pair had candy to give away. The student refused the offer and got safely home.
The Genesee County Sheriff’s Department has received several reports about children being approached by the driver of a truck, described as a white 1988 to 1992 Chevrolet S-10 pickup truck with a wide band of gray trim and a red or purple pinstripe.
A similar incident involving a blonde man around 40 years old was reported in another Atlas Township location within only a few days of the March 25 incident. Other reports have been taken in Burton, and in Thetford Township in northern Genesee County, said Detective Sgt. Joe Parks, commander of the Genesee County Sheriff’s Atlas Township precinct.
In a Clio incident, the driver of a pickup truck was reported speaking to children ages 6 and 8. In one report, the pickup truck was observed to have rust on the tailgate.
Such incidents may occur only once every two or three years, says Raymond Green, Goodrich Schools superintendent.
‘We take that very seriously, and give parents a chance to remind children not to talk to strangers,? Green said.
With homes located in somewhat remote locations, parents often opt to be at bus stops for children as they board or exit the bus.
‘The visibility of a parent or guardian at a designated stop is necessary,? said Minns. ‘Continue to speak to your child about the importance of not talking to strangers.?
Residents who notice suspicious vehicles should immediately call the Genesee County Sheriff’s Department at (810) 257-3422, said Parks.