SHERIFF'S OFFICE INVESTIGATES ABDUCTION ATTEMPTS
SCHOOLS ASKED TO BE ON THE ALERT

(Bradenton, FL - January 29, 2008) Manatee County Sheriff's Deputies are investigating two reported attempts to abduct juveniles in Manatee County in the last 11 days. While these incidents are being investigated, each of our schools and all district employees should take an active role in helping to inform students and families to this potential threat.

To that end, we ask that you alert your students and parents in the manner you feel is the most appropriate for your school, including sending a Connect-Ed message if you feel that is necessary. We have provided a suggested Connect-Ed script at the end of this message. Also, we're asking all district personnel to be on the alert, and to contact the proper authorities if they have any information that can be of help in this investigation.

The alleged suspect in these reported abduction attempts is an unknown white male in his 50's with gray balding hair; a small, thin mustache; chubby build; driving a white, older van that looked like an ice cream truck with no markings. Anyone with information regarding this suspect, or these events, should contact the Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011, or Crime Stoppers, at 866-634-TIPS (8477).

According to police reports, the first reported abduction attempt took place on Saturday, January 19, 2008, in western Manatee County, in the vicinity of Perico Island. The reported incident occurred around 3:30 p.m., when a 9-yearl old girl said a man driving an ice-cream type van asked her to get in the vehicle. The girl fled the area and went home to report the incident. No one else in the neighborhood saw the van.

The second reported incident took place on Saturday, January 26, 2008, in the eastern part of Manatee County, in the 7700 block of U.S. Open Loop, in Lakewood Ranch. The reported incident occurred between 2:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. when a man matching the above description and driving a van stopped and told two juvenile sisters that their mother called him to pick them up and take them home. The girls ran away, and the man made no attempt to grab the girls.

While this investigation is ongoing, we ask that you emphasize to students and parents that they should take extra-precautions. Make sure students walk in pairs or groups and that they avoid contact or communication with anyone they don't know. We appreciate your help in alerting our students and parents to this potential threat.

Suggested Connect-Ed script:
“This is ____, from (school). As you may have read in the newspaper, the Manatee County Sheriff's Office is investigating two possible child abduction attempts in Manatee County during the last two weeks. One reported abduction attempt took place in western Manatee County, near Perico Island; the other took place in eastern Manatee County, in Lakewood Ranch. Both incidents occurred on Saturdays away from school grounds. While no children were harmed, we ask you to help us take all precautions to keep our children safe. When outside, make sure your child is playing or walking in pairs, or even better, in groups. Make sure they avoid all contact or communication with anyone they don't know. The alleged suspect in these reported abduction attempts is a white male in his 50's with gray balding hair; a small, thin mustache and a chubby build. He is reported to be driving a white, older van that looks like an ice cream truck with no markings. Anyone with information regarding this suspect, or these events, should contact the Sheriff's Office at 941-747-3011, or Crime Stoppers, at 866-634-TIPS (8477). Thank you for your help.”

###

RETURN TO MEDIA RELEASES ARCHIVE