Crime & Safety

UPDATE: 'A Misunderstanding' – Child Reports Strange Man Sought To Give Him Ride Home

The man had gray hair and a gray beard and was driving a red minivan with Rhode Island plates and a paw-print sticker on the back.

UPDATE: This morning, Principal Meyer sent out the following message: "Fortunately, last evening's safety concern was a misunderstanding. The driver of the van was Mr. Culf who is assisting with the Cole Drama Club. Mr. Culf thought the student was part of the drama crew and stopped to offer him a ride home. Many thanks to the EGPD for their quick response and investigation. In the end, we are fortunate to have a community that surrounds our children to keep them safe and for that I am grateful."

A student walking home from Cole Middle School was approached by a man driving a red minivan Wednesday afternoon and asked if he wanted a ride home. The boy said no and the man drove away, according to police, who notified Cole school officials.  

According to EG Police Capt. Steven Brown, the incident took place at around 4:45 p.m. in the Middle Road/Kenyon Avenue area. 

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The driver was a middle-aged white male with gray hair and a gray, scruffy beard, said Brown. There was a paw-print sticker on the back of the van. Police combed the area but did not find any vehicle matching that description. Brown said other police departments were notified.

Cole Middle School Principal Alexis Meyer sent an email to parents this evening alerting them to the incident and urging them to warn their children to refuse to ride in a car with anyone they don't know. 

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