Armed Man Reportedly Tried To Lure Children Into White Van In Baltimore County, Police Investigating
WOODLAWN, Md. (WJZ) -- Baltimore County Police are investigating reports of a white van approaching young people in the Woodlawn area.
Detectives say in one case the driver then tried to lure a 12-year-old child inside.
That incident happened in the 8600 block of Windsor Mill Road on Sunday, April 11, around 6 p.m. The child refused and ran home. The driver fled the scene.
On Tuesday, detectives received another similar report of an incident on Walden Circle.
A group of children reported that a masked subject driving a white van approached them around 4 p.m. and displayed a handgun.
The children were ordered into the vehicle but refused.
"Whether it be inside his vehicle or outside his vehicle, he is attempting to lure them in with his tactics," Danielle Moore, of the Baltimore County Police Department, said.
The driver is described as a white man in his 50s. The GMC Savana van shown below was involved in Sunday's incident.
"Every police officer in the area and in the county has a photograph of the vehicle," Moore said. "They are canvassing the area countywide."
Shannon Williams is a father of two daughters. He says his kids were outside playing when they found out the suspect was in the area.
He says moving forward, he no longer feels safe letting them play outside unsupervised.
"It's a very big concern and I'm afraid for my children and other children as well," Williams said. "I'm going to be outside in my neighborhood more, and if I have to protect mine and somewhat try to help protect other children, then that's what I'll have to do."
The public is urged to contact the police if they encounter this van at 911 or 410-307-2020.