West Hartford Police said that on Thursday afternoon the suspect approached a student who had gotten off the school bus and telling the juvenile to get into his car.

By Ronni Newton

West Hartford Police said Friday that they are searching for a man who reportedly approached a student who had just stepped off a school bus on Thursday afternoon, rolled down the window of his car, and told the juvenile to “get in.”

Police said the incident happened between 3:30 and 3:40 p.m. on Feb. 2, near the intersection of Kirkwood and Bainton roads.

The juvenile was walking, and told police they observed a blue sedan following them. The operator of the car who rolled down his window and told the juvenile to “get in” is described as “an older male with gray hair,” police said.

According to police, the juvenile fled to a nearby residence, and that homeowner contacted the child’s parents as well as West Hartford Police. Police said the juvenile was not harmed.

Police said they have canvased the area for video surveillance that may have captured any portion of the incident. They ask that anyone in the area who may have cameras with useful footage contact police as soon as possible.

Police said school resource officers as well as detectives are activity involved in the investigation, and they continue to work with West Hartford Public Schools administration and security. Police will increase their presence in the neighborhood during pick-up and drops-off times, they said.

While West Hartford Police did not note which school the student attended, King Philip Middle School families received an emailed letter indicating that the student attended Aiken Elementary School, and the letter also noted that the student did the right thing by running away and immediately reporting the incident.

The letter also reminded parents to speak to their children about what to do if they are approached by a suspicious stranger.

Aiken Principal Shannon Mlodzinski urged families to practice the “3 R’s” which include:

• “RUN to somewhere safe;
• “REMEMBER as many details as you can about the vehicle, person, etc.; and
• “REPORT to an adult right away what happened.”

Police ask the community to immediately contact them with any information about this incident, or similar conduct that has occurred. Police can be reached at 860-523-5203 or via the anonymous tip line 860-570-8969  or email [email protected].

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