Florida authorities are investigating after a young boy walking to school on Friday said a stranger asked him if he needed a ride, Local 10 News reports.
Around 7:40 a.m. Friday, police responded to Northside Elementary School in Fort Lauderdale for what they described as a “suspicious incident,” according to the television station. Officers were informed that a 7-year-old boy was walking on his way to the school earlier that morning and that a man in an SUV asked him if he needed a ride.
At the time, the boy was just one block away from the school.
The boy told the man “no” and ran toward the school. He was able to arrive at the school safely and was not harmed, NBC Miami reports.
The child told police that the man inside the gray SUV was thin and Black.
Officers increased their presence in the area and are investigating for additional information. Authorities have not said whether they have located or identified the driver.
“This incident is considered a suspicious incident and NOT an attempted kidnapping due to the circumstances,” Fort Lauderdale police spokeswoman Casey Liening told Local 10 in an email. “The child was never forced into the vehicle and the driver did not make physical contact with the child at anytime.
“We also remind our residents that if you see something, say something. Suspicious activity should be reported immediately.”
To report information about the incident or similar occurrences, call the Fort Lauderdale Police Department at 954-764-HELP (4357).
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