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THE COLONY (CBSDFW.COM) – Police say they have identified and questioned the man several students said approached them and offered them a ride when they were walking home from Stewart’s Creek Elementary Wednesday.
Investigators told CBS11 News some alert parents led them to that man, and investigators are now closely monitoring him.
When Linda Byrd found out that a stranger approached students near her children’s school offering them a ride, she was relieved to learn everyone got away safely.
“I was a little scared at first. I was glad to hear that the children reported it, and that the principal actually took the initiative to call the parents and let everyone know,” Byrd said.
In the message to parents the principals of both area schools wrote of the importance, “to keep you informed of events that may not have directly impacted your child, but should be shared with you.” Lewisville ISD followed up with a district wide safety reminder.
“The fact that they include the entire district is even great because everyone needs to be made aware of it,” Byrd said.
“I think more eyes you have on it, the better off everybody is,” Donna Baggett added.
Baggett says she appreciates the alert because it’s an opportunity to talk to her granddaughter about important safety reminders.
“She’s friendly. You know, we’ll be outside playing, and she’ll say hello to the neighbors. You know, you don’t know who the bad guy is anymore, so you just have to make them aware that they’re not supposed to go with anybody,” Baggett said.
Byrd says the alert also helps parents make decisions on any changes they may want to make to their children’s routines.
“Normally my kids walk home on Friday, but today we’re picking them up, just until things calm down a little bit,” Byrd said.
Police were able to track down the man after parents spotted his silver Ford Mustang described in the alert. Investigators have not charged him with a crime. They say he denies any wrongdoing, but they will continue to monitor him and maintain their increased presence near the school.
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