Sheriff’s Office investigates report of attempted child abduction

New Hanover County Sheriff’s Office is investigating an alleged attempted child abduction that occurred yesterday in the area of Masonboro Loop Road and Trails End Road.

A 14-year old female reported an older model green Ford Bronco pulled up to her as she was walking home from her bus stop. The passenger of the vehicle offered the female a ride and began to be persistent when the ride was denied. The female continued her walk home and the vehicle left the area traveling south on Masonboro Loop Road. The male passenger is described as a white male, approximately 25-30 years of age with short blonde hair. The male was wearing a camouflage hat, white shirt and a camouflage coat.

Once notified this morning, School Resource Officers and Detectives collected the information and will continue to investigate this incident. Sheriff McMahon has increased safety measures with extra personnel patrolling this area. “We will continue to work closely with school administration to ensure the safety of all children,” said McMahon.

Earlier this afternoon, school administration activated the Alert Now notification system to alert parents of children who attend Myrtle Grove Middle School and Parsley Elementary School.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Detectives at (910) 798-4498.

From the Wilmington Police Department:

On Thursday, 02/04/2010 a female, 14 YOA was walking home from her school bus stop in the county on Masonboro Loop Rd. to her residence in the city. when she was approached by 2 W/M’s in an older model Ford Bronco, green in color. The subjects followed her for a short distance and then the passenger in the vehicle exited and spoke with the child, trying to get her to enter the vehicle. The passenger was described as a W/M, blond hair, wearing all camouflage clothing.

On Friday, 02/05/2010, the SRO for Myrtle Grove Middle School, where the child is a student, completed a report for “Miscellaneous Offense”. Word has apparently spread through the school system and parents very concerned about this incident.

Wilmington Police Department advises Parents to please be on the lookout for any suspicious activity around the area school bus stops, as well as specifically the vehicle and subjects described above. Parents are encouraged to contact their local law enforcement agencies with any information no matter how small. Please give accurate detailed information and try to keep contact with our 9-1-1 center so that officers can respond and investigate the situation. Please speak with your children on the dangers of talking too, being approached by, or strangers trying to get them into vehicles. Remind your children to report all suspicious vehicles and persons to you their parents as soon as possible.

From a News Release sent to the WWAY News Channel 3 Newsroom.