POLICE BEAT
Police Respond to Pair of Incidents in West End of Persons Attempting to Lure Children
In the last few days, Portland Police have responded to incidents where it appears someone was trying to lure children into their vehicles.
On Monday morning, December 4th, a 10-year-old boy was walking on Congress Street towards the Reiche School. A black male in his 20s or 30s approached him and offered him a ride. The boy responded “no” and the man drove away in either a light blue or white sedan. This occurred at approximately 8:45 a.m.
On Wednesday, December 6th, a 17-year-old student was walking home from the Waynflete School on Spring Street, when an older white male with a scruffy beard, red coat, and winter beanie hat approached him. The driver of the Honda minivan insinuated that he could give the boy a ride, but the student continued into his nearby driveway and into his home.
Investigators are urging anyone who has any information that might assist in this case to call them at (207) 874-8575.
Police are encouraging parents to remind their children to never take rides from strangers, or even people they know, without permission from them. If someone calls out to you, approaches you, or makes you feel uncomfortable, quickly get to the nearest adult you trust and tell them what happened.
It is also recommended that you walk with at least one friend, two or three is even better. If a stranger follows you on foot, get away from him or her as quickly as you can. You can run and yell loudly, “HELP!” If a stranger follows you in a car, turn around and go the other direction.
To provide information anonymously:
- Call 207-874-8584 and leave a message on the department’s Crime Tip line.
- Text keyword “PPDME” plus the message to 847411 (TIP411).
