Dear Parents,
The Downers Grove Police Department has completed their investigation of an alleged child luring attempt on Tuesday, Sept. 13 near O’Neill Middle School. Investigators determined that the incident is unfounded.
Downers Grove Police Chief Kurt Bluder stressed that while there was no threat to any member of the public related to this incident, child safety is among the highest priorities of the Downers Grove Police Department.
"This is an opportunity for parents to review stranger danger awareness with their children," said Chief Bluder. "If a child finds themselves in a dangerous situation, he or she should run to school or a familiar house and get help immediately from a staff member or an adult. Please report any suspicious activity to the Downers Grove Police Department."
District 58 thanks the Downers Grove Police Department for their responsiveness and thorough work investigating this issue.
ORIGINAL Message:
Published: Sept. 13, 2016
From the Downers Grove Police Department:
Police are investigating a report of a child luring attempt on Tuesday, Sept. 13 at 8:15 a.m. on a girl walking west on 59th Street at Williams St in Westmont, Illinois. The occupant of a 4-door silver-colored newer style Honda Accord followed the girl west on 59th Street until she arrived at O’Neill Middle School, 635 59th Street in Downers Grove. The man got out of his car on two separate occasions and asked the girl to get in the car. He never tried to grab or make physical contact with the girl. The subject was described as being medium complexion, 30-35 years old, thin build wearing a blue baseball cap, orange polo shirt and sunglasses.
Downers Grove Police have increased patrol at all of the parks and schools. The safety of our children is of the utmost importance to us, and we are fortunate to have school staff and parents who have taken the time to teach children about the danger of interacting with strangers.
Children’s safety is of the utmost importance to the DGPD. Parents are asked to review stranger danger awareness with their children. Please remind them that if they ever find themselves in a similar situation, to run to school or a familiar house and get help immediately from a staff member or an adult. The police should then be immediately contacted.
Anyone with additional information regarding these incidents is being asked to contact this Police Department immediately (630) 434-5600.