PORTLAND, Maine — In the last few days, the Portland Police Department said it has responded to incidents in which it appears someone was trying to lure school-aged children into their vehicles.
Around 8:45 a.m. Monday, a 10-year-old boy was walking on Congress Street toward Reiche Elementary School when a Black man in his 20s or 30s reportedly approached him and offered him a ride, Portland Police Department spokesperson Brad Nadeau said in a release Thursday.
The boy responded “no,” and the man drove away in either a light blue or white sedan, according to the release.
On Wednesday, a 17-year-old student was walking home from the Waynflete School on Spring Street when an older white man with a scruffy beard, red coat, and winter beanie hat reportedly approached him, Nadeau said. According to the release, the driver of the Honda minivan apparently insinuated he could give the boy a ride, but the student continued into his nearby driveway and into his home.
Interim Assistant Police Chief Robert Martin said Portland is a safe city, but that these incidents are concerning and children should be alert while walking around town.
"Be aware of your surroundings and have a plan," Martin said to reporters on Thursday. "As you’re walking down the street, you know, 'This is a safe spot. This is where I’d go if something happens;' things like that should be going through your mind; not to the point of paranoia, but you should say to yourself, 'Where’s a safe spot? Where would I run to? What would I do?'”
Portland police ask that anyone who may have information call them at 207-874-8575.
"Police are encouraging parents to remind their children to never take rides from strangers, or even people they know, without permission from them. If someone calls out to you, approaches you, or makes you feel uncomfortable, quickly get to the nearest adult you trust and tell them what happened," police said in the release.
Police also recommend children walk with at least one friend.
"If a stranger follows you on foot, get away from him or her as quickly as you can," police said. "You can run and yell loudly, 'HELP!' If a stranger follows you in a car, turn around and go the other direction."
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