Lakeshore Public Schools alert parents to possible stranger danger

STEVENSVILLE, Mich. -- Parents with students in the Lakeshore Public Schools district received a letter on Friday about a stranger danger incident that happened Thursday after school.

Two students from Stewart Elementary School were approached by a man in a dark blue or black Jeep Wrangler Thursday between 11:50 a.m. and noon.

The man spoke to the students and made them feel uneasy.

The incident was then reported to the Lincoln Township Police Department. Police said the man was a white male in his 40s.

The Superintendent offered tips to help students stay safe.

Text of the letter sent home to parents:

An incident was reported that we felt necessary to bring to your attention. It was reported this morning that two students from Stewart Elementary School had walked using the path behind the school after yesterday after dismissal to visit a local establishment and wait for a ride. While in the establishment’s parking lot, they were approached by a man in a dark blue or black Jeep Wrangler. The car stopped and the man engaged the students in conversation. While the conversation as reported does not appear threatening, it made the students feel uneasy. He then drove away. The incident was reported to the Lincoln Township Police Department.

While the local Police investigate this incident, we would like to take this opportunity to remind parents to speak with their children and ask them to:

1. Walk in groups (on sidewalks) as much as possible.
2. Walk on well-lit streets as much as possible and cross only at corners.
3. Walk the same route to and from school (or bus stop) each day.
4. Be aware of their surroundings and alert to people and vehicles around them.

Please be assured that the health and safety of your child is most important to us. We hope this was an isolated incident, and we ask that you work with us to make sure that all of our children are secure.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Lincoln Township Police Department at (269) 429-2444 or Crime Stoppers 1-800-324-STOP.

Sincerely,
Philip S. Freeman
Superintendent

The Lincoln Township Police Department asks anyone with information to contact them at (269)429-2444.