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Police investigate possible child luring at Bothell school bus stop

FOX 13 Seattle
Published March 31, 2015 2:09 PM PDT
Published March 31, 2015 2:09 PM PDT

BOTHELL, Wash. -- Bothell police are warning the community about a possible child luring attempt last week.

According to police, a 15-year-old girl was waiting at her school bus stop on the 4700 block of 244th Street SE on March 26 when a white car drove up and parked across the street from her. They say the suspect, described as a white man in his 20s, rolled down his window and started asking the girl questions about where she lived and if her parents were home.

Just as the man opened his car door, the school bus arrived causing the man to shut his door and drive off, police said.

The suspect was described as having very short, dark hair. He was reportedly driving a late 1980s or early 1990s white car, possibly a Honda or Toyota in "junky, dirty, and in poor condition."

"Bothell officers have increased patrols in school bus stop areas, and detectives are following up and investigating the incident. Detectives are also searching for any other similar reported or unreported incidents. Citizens are encouraged to immediately report any suspicious activities to 9-1-1."

The Bothell Police Department recommends the following safety tips:

General Safety Tips:

  • Arrive at the bus stop five minutes early. Children arriving late for the bus may be tempted to run across the street, causing them to possibly trip and fall in front of a moving bus or another vehicle.

  • Walk your young child to school or the bus stop and when possible, have older children walk in groups. There is safety in numbers; groups are easier for drivers to see.

  • Wear bright-colored clothing and carry flashlights or wear reflective clothing when it’s dark out.  Ensure your child does not have his or her name on a backpack, etc., as this would enable a potential abductor to call out to the child by name.

  • If walking alone, remind your child to stick to a predetermined route.

  • Identify safe houses along the way that your child could run to or into for help if needed.

  • Make sure your child stands at least 10 feet (5 giant steps) from the road while waiting for the bus. The child will then be out of the way of traffic. Have younger children practice taking 5 giant steps to become familiar with 10 feet.


Talk to Your Child about Stranger Awareness:

  •  A stranger is anybody you do not know – regardless of how nice a person looks or acts.

  • Never accept rides, candy, gifts, money, etc., from strangers.

  • Never get close to cars occupied by people you don’t know. Be careful if they call out to you to come closer for help or directions. It’s easy for a stranger to pull you into a car if you get close enough. Don’t be fooled by people who claim to know you or your parents. That does not mean that you know them.  Adults and other people who need help should not be asking a child for help; they should be asking other adults. Adults should not be asking you for directions or to look for a “lost puppy,” or telling you that your mother or father is in trouble and that they will take you to them.

  • Quickly get away from anyone who tries to take you somewhere. Yell or scream, “This person is not my father (or mother).”

  • Never give your name, address, phone number or any information about yourself to someone you do not know.

  • If approached on the way to or from the bus stop or at the bus stop, tell your parents, the bus driver and school officials.

  • Report any suspicious vehicle. Write down the license number and provide it to school and law enforcement officials.