Luring Incident at 57th/Dupont

[Jennifer Swanson]

On Friday June 5 at approximately 8:00 p.m., a male driving a silver
Volvo station wagon attempted to lure a 9 year old female into his
vehicle. The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 25
years old, medium build, long brown ponytail with unique facial hair
(sideburns which grew into mustache, no chin hair) and wearing glasses
with black frames. He was wearing a pink shirt and blue jeans. The
child quickly ran to a nearby home. The suspect did not pursue. The
vehicle description does not match vehicles involved in other luring
incidents in the past months.

Parents:
Here are some helpful tips that can assist you when talking with your
children about what they should do if they are approached by an
unfamiliar person:

1. Teach your child(ren) your address and phone number, including the
area code. Instruct your child(ren) on how to use the telephone to
call home, and in an emergency, 911.
2. Keep an updated file on your child, including a photograph and
physical description. If your child is under two years of age, you
should update the information at least four times each year.
3. Pay close attention to the clothing your child is wearing each day
and never display your child's name on his/or clothes or books.
Children will often respond to strangers who call them by name.
4. Make sure your child knows what to do should you become separated
in a public place. Your child should immediately make a report to a
facility employee and should not attempt to search for you.
5. Select a secret code word that only you and your child know. Tell
your child never to go with anyone who does not know this code.
6. Keep a set of your child's footprints, fingerprints and dental
records.
7. Leave instructions with your child's school to notify you
immediately if he/she is absent and provide them with written
information on which people are authorized to pick your child up after
school.
8. Educate your children on the many tactics used by abductors to lure
them away. Teach them to immediately leave the area if a stranger is
present. If your child is grabbed, instruct your child to yell
"fire" (or "stranger") People are more likely to respond to those
shouts than to cries of "help."
9. Survey the recreation and school routes your child uses. Point out
any dangerous areas such as vacant lots, alleyways, busy streets, etc.
Teach your child what to do should he/she be followed.
10. Join or organize a "safe home" program with your neighbors to
establish secure homes where your children can go for help.