FWPD investigates suspicious incident(s)

News release from the FWPD:

Department Investigates Suspicious Incident(s)
Victim Thwarts Possible Abduction

Date: November 7, 2011
Location of Incident: Dewald Street & Hoagland Ave
Victim: Female, age 13

Investigators with the City of Fort Wayne Police Department are currently investigating reports of suspicious activity, one possibly being an attempted abduction. Early this morning, at approximately 6:56 a.m., students reported to police officers that while waiting at their school bus stop in the area of Park Avenue and Thompson Street, a male subject approached them and began asking them questions about where they lived. Students reported that he walked away when the school bus came into the area. The students reported that the subject’s behavior made them feel uncomfortable and they reported the incident to the school bus driver who contacted police.

At approximately 7:19 a.m., another student reported that while she was walking in the area of Dewald Street & Hoagland Avenue, a male subject who was walking behind her quickly approached her and grabbed her by the arm and the hair. The victim reported that she screamed, struck and kicked the suspect and that she fled the area. She reported that the suspect fled the area on foot. Officers surveyed the area, but did not locate the suspect.

In both incidents, witnesses provided a similar description of the suspect.

Suspect Description: Male, black, forties, 5’9″ – 6’1″, medium-build; last seen wearing a dark-colored hooded sweatshirt, dark-colored jeans or pants, and possible a white-colored hat.

The City of Fort Wayne Police Department would like to offer the following safety suggestions for school-aged children and parents of students walking to and from school bus stops:

• Do not walk alone. If parents cannot accompany their child to the school bus stop, then ensure that another trusted adult can, or have children walk together to the school bus stop. Always stay in well-lit areas, never take shortcuts, and never go into isolated areas.
• Always be aware of your surroundings. Report suspicious people or suspicious behavior to an adult and to police. If a person makes you or your child feel scared or uncomfortable, immediately get away from that person, and notify police.
• Say ‘No’, and get away. If anyone offers you a ride or tries to grab you or take you somewhere, say ‘No!’, make a scene and make every effort to get away by kicking, screaming, and resisting.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact the Investigative Unit of the City of Fort Wayne Police Department at 260 427-1201, or at 260 427-1222.

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