Yesterday I got this email from a friend who works with an area fire department:
Last night a friend across the street who happens to be a Waukee police officer came over and told me that just a few blocks from our house, a guy fitting the description similar to the sick piece of trash in the letter and again driving a dark colored car approached 4 young girls and offered them money to get into his car. This happened just south of the high school on SE Olson Drive. Please have another talk with your kids about avoiding this creep and keep on the lookout for dark colored cars that look out of place.
I don't want to start a panic at all, just wanted people to be aware of this. As the parents of 3 girls from 3 to almost 9, I wanted to make sure as many people know about this as possible.
CR91
DC-G Parent,
The following message is being sent through the DC-G AlertNow system, on behalf of Chief Michelle R. Leonard, Dallas Center Police Dept.
WARNING: CHILD SAFETY ISSUE
On 06-09-08, between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm, a dark colored vehicle approached two 10 year-old females at 14th and Sugar Grove. He offered money, showing them money, if they would get into the vehicle. The suspect was a white male with short hair, plates possibly Nebraska with partial plate being GAZA. He circled the block approx. 8 to 10 times prior to speaking to them.
On 06-10-08, between 6:00 pm and 6:30 pm, a nine year-old female was approached at the corner of 10th and Walnut. The white male was wearing jeans and a t-shirt. He spoke very nice to her. He had short dark hair and a skinny build. He was driving a newer dark colored vehicle, unknown plate information. He stuck his hand out the window with a five dollar bill in it and offered it to her if she got into the car.
I would like everyone to take this opportunity to discuss with their children the danger and the importance of escape in a situation like this. I would also encourage the children to pay attention to license plates, facial hair, race, clothing, scars, etc. Run to the nearest safe place and immediately ask an adult to call 911. I encourage people not to share the information ie: name and address of girls already approached as it may endanger them. I am currently running a search on the partial plate information through Nebraska and Iowa. I will have officers out during the evening hours looking for specifics. I have notified Fire and EMS to also be on the look out. Area agencies have been notified of the incidents as well.
The suspect has not gotten out of his vehicle and approached anyone. He offers them money from inside the vehicle. If anyone has any information they think might me of assistance to the location and identification of the suspect please feel free to call the Sheriff's Office at 993-4567, Dallas Center Police Dept. at 992-3086, City Hall at 992-3725 or email me at dallascenterpd@mchsi.com. Otherwise call 911 if a similar incident occurs.
Thank you for your cooperation in this matter.
Chief Michelle R. Leonard
Dallas Center Police Dept.
Last night a friend across the street who happens to be a Waukee police officer came over and told me that just a few blocks from our house, a guy fitting the description similar to the sick piece of trash in the letter and again driving a dark colored car approached 4 young girls and offered them money to get into his car. This happened just south of the high school on SE Olson Drive. Please have another talk with your kids about avoiding this creep and keep on the lookout for dark colored cars that look out of place.
I don't want to start a panic at all, just wanted people to be aware of this. As the parents of 3 girls from 3 to almost 9, I wanted to make sure as many people know about this as possible.
CR91