Increased police presence expected at school bus stops following attempted child luring in Armstrong County

GILPIN TOWNSHIP (KDKA) - Police are taking serious measures to ensure kids in the Gilpin Township area are safe after an attempted child luring.

"I just saw the police car following the bus, so it had me alarmed," said Sara Ritter, a parent of two students in the Leechburg Area School District.

Ritter was confused when she saw two police vehicles escorting her children's school bus Thursday morning.

Southern Armstrong Regional Police are taking this new safety measure after a man driving a tan minivan attempted to lure a girl and boy into his vehicle. Police said the scary encounter happened near a Dollar General on Route 66 in Gilpin Township on Wednesday night around 7 or 8 o'clock.

"I'm really glad that they're stepping up the force to protect our children, that's great," Ritter said.

Cpl. Chad Bowman with Southern Armstrong Regional Police Department said the two children refused to get into the stranger's vehicle.

"They did deny that gentleman and tried to get away, but they were followed several times... at that point in time, they called 911," said Cpl. Bowman.

Police ask people in the area to be on the lookout for a tan minivan, possibly an old dodge caravan.

They described the driver as an older man with dark hair and a deep voice.

Officers searched the area and stopped a vehicle matching the description, but they had no luck.

So now, they're getting kids to Leechburg Area School District schools safely.

"For the next few weeks, there's going to be a heightened police presence for escorting buses to school and everything making sure kids in our community, give families a peace of mind of a police presence in the area getting kids to school safely," Cpl. Bowman said.

He said the children who were approached by the stranger are not students in the Leechburg Area School District. But Superintendent Dr. Tiffany Nix still made sure to notify staff and families to stay vigilant.

"Safety is our number one priority every single day. Due to the diligence and communication from the Gilpin PD, we were able to notify staff and families last night. We will be treating morning drop off and afternoon pick up with extra caution today," Nix said.

Cpl. Bowman advises parents to tell their kids how to be safe.

"Just advise your kids to be safe… don't go to cars that they do not know the individuals in and if they are approached by any strangers, to immediately exit the situation and call 911," Cpl. Bowman said.

"I always tell them every day, every day, don't trust anybody," Ritter said.

Anyone who sees a tan minivan in the area or any other suspicious activity is asked to call 911, not the police station.

In:
• Armstrong County