Kalamazoo, MI: On Wednesday November 30, 2016 at approximately 2:45 pm, a young girl was walking in the 2000 block of Oakland drive when she was approached by a person driving a red pickup truck. The person in the truck asked her if she wanted a ride, the young girl said “no” and ran home. The person in the truck drove off. The truck is a red truck with rust on the front wheel well with newer wheels. There is also a Lion mural in the back window.
On Wednesday December 7, 2016 at approximately 6:40 am, the same thing happened to a young boy in the Winchell area. A person driving a red pickup truck asked the young boy if he wanted a ride. The young boy ran and the truck drove off. There were no other details provided at that time.
The descriptions of the driver are similar in both incidents. The driver is described as a Hispanic or light skinned black man, approximately 50 years old, with a beard. At no time did the driver attempt to grab or entice them into the vehicle.
We have stepped up patrols in the area of bus stops in the mornings and afternoons. We are asking for the public to be on the alert for any suspicious behavior concerning strangers asking children if they need a ride. Having students walk in groups or with adults will deter this type of behavior.
Anyone who may have information regarding this investigation is asked to call Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100 or www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
By authority of: Victor Ledbetter, Captain.
Date: December 7, 2016
Address: 150 E. Crosstown Pkwy., Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Victor Ledbetter, Captain Criminal Investigations Division (269)337-8139
