[RP TownTalk] Fwd: [PEN] Attempted Child Abduction and Safety Tips - Community Alert

[Don Lynch]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	[PEN] Attempted Child Abduction and Safety Tips - Community Alert
Date: 	Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:49:32 -0400
From: 	Cathy Plevy <CathyP at takomagov.org>
Reply-To: 	pen at penhood.net
To: 	PEN <pen at penhood.net>, AlertTakoma <alerttakoma at yahoogroups.com>, 
Hillwood Manor <hillwood_manor at yahoogroups.com>, Longbranch 
<lbstakoma at yahoogroups.com>, New Hampshire Gardens 
<nhgca at yahoogroups.com>, Ritchie Citizens 
<ritchiecitizens at yahoogroups.com>, SSCarroll 
<sscarroll at yahoogroups.com>, Sycamore Group <sycamore at yahoogroups.com>, 
Takoma Overlook <takomaoverlook-owner at yahoogroups.com>, WACO 
<waco at yahoogroups.com>



On March 18, 2011, at approximately 7:00 a.m., a 12-year old male victim
was walking to his bus stop when he approached Cockerille Avenue and
Kansas Avenue.  A Hispanic-looking male stopped near the victim, exited
his vehicle and chased the victim at a full sprint in an attempt to grab
him.  The victim fled and was pursued by the suspect briefly.  The
victim fled to his residence and the suspect was seen casually returning
to his vehicle and fleeing the area from Circle Avenue, making a right
on to Kansas Avenue.  The suspect is described as a tan-skinned
Hispanic-looking male, approximately 240-250 lbs., approximately 5’8,
clean-shaven, short black hair, round fat-face with pimples, last seen
wearing a red baseball cap, solid navy blue dress shirt with collar, the
shirt was outside the pants, pressed. His pants were baggy, dark blue
jeans, wrinkled.  His belly was big overall, but did not hang over his
pants.  He was last seen driving a black, 2-door Toyota Echo with tinted
rear windows.  There was a scratch on the bumper and the vehicle was
described as “quiet sounding.”  The vehicle was equipped with
factory wheels.

A look-out has been given to all surrounding jurisdictions.  Marked and
unmarked police vehicles have been increased in and around the schools
and area.  The Principal at Takoma Park Middle School was notified and a
letter is being sent home.

Parents and Children – Safety Tips*:

Children should travel with a friend, or better yet, a group of friends
when riding a bike or walking to or from school or other destinations.

If someone follows you on foot, get away as quickly as you can. Go to
someone's house you know, or run to other people, or just run away.

If someone is following you in a car, turn around and go in the
opposite direction or take a path where a car would not go.

Parents should not become lax about kids going to a friend's home in a
neighborhood--even if it is only a few doors away. Snatchings can happen
in an instant; even under a parent's watchful eye. The key is to keep
your eye on a youngster. Older youth should be instructed to call when
they arrive at a friend's home for peace of mind and as a good safety
tip practice.

If at all possible, an adult should greet youngsters as they get off a
school bus, and not have them walk home alone.

Adults should understand that boys are at just as greatest of risk as
girls. It is a common safety tip misconception that child molesters or
perpetrators are typically men and seek only girls. Molesters come in
all ages and both genders, and their victims can be of either sex.

Parents should begin reinforcing these safety tips as soon as a kid is
old enough to understand, and above all, ensure that their child feels
comfortable enough in discussing these issues, their concerns or fears,
or any potentially inappropriate events that have possibly transpired.
Awareness of these safety tips can help kids be less susceptible to any
stranger dangers.

You can now use your cell phone to send a tip to the Takoma Park Police
Department and remain 100% anonymous.

* Text to 847411

* Type TPPDTIP at the beginning of your message.

* Type your message including as much detail as possible to ensure that
your tip is thoroughly investigated.

* Send your tip, knowing that you are helping to reduce crime in your
community while remaining 100% anonymous.

Your tip is important and CAN make a difference!

If you see a crime in progress and need to contact the Takoma Park
Police, please call 301-270-1100.  If you need to report an emergency
that involves the need for fire or rescue services, you must call
9-1-1.


*National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.




Catherine E. Plevy
Executive Assistant
Public Information Officer (PIO)
Office of the Chief of Police
7500 Maple Avenue
Takoma Park, Maryland 20912
cathyp at takomagov.org
(301) 891-7142




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