Suffolk, Va. - Suffolk Police say they'll be monitoring bus stops a little closer this week after a Nansemond River High School student reported she was approached by a suspicious person Tuesday morning.
The girl reportedly told school officials while walking to her bus stop at Old College Drive and Camellia Drive, a man driving a tan Chevrolet Blazer stopped and asked her if she would like a ride to school and if she would like to go get something to eat.
The student continued walking toward the bus, boarded the bus, and alerted the bus driver.
The man was described as a black male between 40-50 years of age with a gray beard. He was wearing a red shirt.
Police say they are not looking at the incident as a possible attempted abduction. At this time, there's no indication that a criminal offense occurred. However, police say they will be monitoring bus stops in the area for any other suspicious activity.
A letter was sent home to parents at Nansemond River High, John Yeates Middle, Creekside Elementary, Driver Elementary, Florence Bowser Elementary and Northern Shores Elementary from the principals at each school. A recorded telephone message was also sent out by my office to about 5,000 families starting around 1:15 p.m.
Dear Parent/Guardian:
As you know, the safety of our students and staff are my top priority, and we work diligently to maintain open communication with our students, parents, staff, and community. I need to inform you of an incident that occurred this morning near a Nansemond River High School bus stop.
A female student reported to school administrators that while walking to her bus stop, located at Old College Drive and Camellia Drive, a man kept asking if she wanted a ride and did she want to go get something to eat. The female student continued walking toward the bus, boarded the school bus, and alerted the driver. The police and school were notified, and an investigation was started.
The man was described as a black male, between 40 to 50 years of age, with a grey beard and wearing a red shirt. He was driving a tan Chevy Blazer.
Suffolk Police will be monitoring bus stops in the area.
Please discuss with your child the importance of notifying a bus driver, teacher, administrator, or staff member when he/she knows of a situation that could threaten the neighborhood, the bus stop, or the school. In addition, if you or your child has any knowledge of this possible threat, I ask that you immediately notify the police or an administrator.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me here at school. Thank you for your continued support in keeping our students safe at school and in the community.
