Portland Police were dispatched to the Reiche Elementary School on Brackett Street at 9:11 a.m. on Wednesday, February 15th. A parent dropping off their child at the school saw a suspicious man with a dog interacting with a student in the area just off school property. The man was heard trying to coax the student away from the area, saying he needed help with his dog. The student refused and ran inside of the school. The man realized the alert parent was watching and quickly walked away and was not located by police.
The school has learned that the man may have been near the school on Tuesday afternoon as well. Officers and school personnel have been increasing their presence during the school day at Reiche.
Both the student and the parent did the right thing as the child fled to a safe place and the parent was an active witness and alerted the school to the suspicious man. Parents are encouraged, when possible, to drop their children off at safe locations within the school property. This is also an opportunity to remind your children to use caution around adults they don’t know.
The white male was described as tall and thin, scruffy looking, in his 30s and was wearing a black beanie. The dog was gray and medium-sized with white spots. He was last seen in the area of Pine Street and Brackett.
Investigators are urging anyone who has any information that might assist in this or any other case to call them at (207) 874-8575. You may also text the keyword PPDME and your message to 847411.
