A Sashabaw Middle School seventh grader had to think quickly, March 31 around 4:30 p.m.
The 13-year-old girl was approached by a man driving a small silver Chrysler sedan by Pine Knob Trail and Pine Knob Lane. The driver rolled down his car window and told the girl to get into the car.
She refused and continued walking. Then, the vehicle turned around and began to follow her. She reacted by running.
“She did a good job of running and hiding behind a car,” said Sergeant Rich Cummins from the Oakland County Sheriff Office Independence Township substation.
The vehicle stayed in the area for a while before leaving. Once the vehicle was gone, the 13-year-old went to her friend’s house where she called her mom.
Cummins added, she did the right thing.
“Students should go to their parent or someplace safe if someone comes up to them and tries to get them into the car,” he said.
She had never seen the vehicle or the man before so she couldn’t identify him but he is described as a black man in his 20s with short black hair.
The sheriff’s office has been sending more patrol to the area and Cummins advises the community, if they see the vehicle or the young man to call dispatch and deputies will come out to the area.
Clarkston Community Schools communicated what happened to parents throughout the district.
“In these situations we send out e-blasts to parents,” said Superintendent Dr. Rod Rock. “We also utilize our phone system.”
Both Cummins and Rock urged parents and guardians, and their children to have a plan in case something like this occurs.
“It’s up to the parent to tell their children how they want to proceed,” said Cummins.
Rock added a resource is the National Crime Prevention Council especially when teaching children how to recognize dangerous situations and strangers.
If you see the vehicle, call deputies at 248-620-4970.
~Wendy Reardon