LITCHFIELD PARK, Ariz. — Litchfield Elementary School District #79 sent a letter to parents warning them about strangers approaching students while they were traveling to and from school. Both cases were investigated by law enforcement agencies and officials say neither incident appears to be criminal in nature.
The district's letter said two students were approached and responded appropriately by running away and telling an adult.
"While this information may be alarming to hear, know that LESD79 is working with our local law enforcement on these incidents," the letter said.
Goodyear PD and the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office each investigated one of the incidents.
According to Goodyear PD, in its case, a vehicle drove by a juvenile on his bike in the area of N Litchfield Road and W Palm Valley Road. Police say those inside the vehicle attempted to get the student to approach the vehicle. The child ignored them and returned home safely. Police later made contact with those in the vehicle and it turned out to be minors who were "messing around." Police say they were remorseful, spoke to their parents and the investigation was completed.
MCSO says in the second case, an elderly woman offered a student who was walking a ride. The student ran to a nearby school and reported the interaction.
The district said the student attended L. Thomas Heck Middle School and ran to Barbara Robey Elementary School to report it.
MCSO said it is doing additional patrols in the area to ensure there is no suspicious activity.
The district is asking parents to talk about 'stranger danger" and gave the following tips to help keep their kids safe:
- Know your name, address, and phone number.
- Use the buddy system - avoid walking anywhere alone.
- Trust your instincts - if you feel you are being followed or something is not right, seek help immediately.
- If a stranger approaches you, it is acceptable to ignore the stranger. Never approach a stranger in a motor vehicle. Just keep walking. Do not accept candy or any other items from a stranger. Never walk off with a stranger, no matter what.
- If someone is following you, try to remember the vehicle license plate and immediately tell a trusted adult.
- If a stranger grabs you, do everything possible to escape. Drop to the ground, kick, hit, bite, and scream. Get the attention of others who can help. If someone is dragging you away, scream, "This is not my dad," or "This is not my mom."
- Be aware that talking about these things can frighten children. Speak in a calm tone. Do not try to terrify them into being safe, and be careful not to let your fear frighten them. Explain that, like a fire or earthquake, these situations probably won't happen to them, but that children should be prepared just in case. Help them understand that worrying won't keep them safe, but knowing how to act will help protect them.
- The best way to teach “stranger danger” lessons is through role-playing scenarios.
The district also sent parents a link to a website that can educate families on stranger danger situations.