Preble Co. child mistook family friend for stranger

UPDATE @ 5:50 p.m.

A stranger who alarmed a child after getting off a school bus Tuesday afternoon turned out to be an acquaintance the child did not remember meeting.

The Preble County Sheriff’s Office was investigating the incident in which a family reported their child had been approached by a stranger who asked if the child wanted a ride home from the bus stop.

A family friend had been at a neighbor’s house and spoke to the child as he was leaving. The family friend contacted the child’s parents today, immediately after learning about the reported incident, according to the sheriff’s office.

The child’s father then notified the Preble County Sheriff’s Office this afternoon that it was an acquaintance and that the child had never been in any danger.

However, the sheriff’s office applauds the child for making a good decision to immediately walk away from a perceived stranger and report it to family members.

FIRST REPORT

Preble County deputies are investigating an incident that occurred Tuesday afternoon in which an elementary student was approached by a man after getting off the bus, according to a release from the sheriff’s office.

The release describes how the Twin Valley South student got off the bus on East Carlton Road at approximately 4 p.m. to find a vehicle parked in the driveway. The adult asked the student if they needed a ride. The student responded “no” and continued to walk towards the house. The vehicle immediately left the area.

The child’s parent saw the incident and walked to the end of the lane, but the vehicle left before the parent could get to it.

The vehicle was described as a royal blue Chevrolet Cavalier. No further information about the man is available.

Deputies have notified each of the school districts in Preble County of the incident and have asked that bus drivers pay extra attention on their routes.

Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about safety issues and being approached by strangers, and to have a safety plan in place.

The Sheriff’s Office encourages residents to report any suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency.