CHARLOTTE, NC — Police say there have now been two reported incidents involving a man driving a white truck offering money to kids in east Charlotte.
CMPD is warning parents to be on the lookout for a black male, roughly 30-years-old, with dreadlocks, and driving a white truck. According to reports, the man approached children at a bus stop Friday morning and then again Saturday afternoon. Both times, police say he tried to give them money.
Police say, so far, no crime has been committed, but anyone with information is asked to call 911 or Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
CMPD has also provided a list of safety tips parents can share with their children:
- Instruct your child to never take a ride from any strangers even if the person says that they are there to pick them up because their mom or dad sent them.
- Instruct your child on how to contact the Police Department, Fire Department or Ambulance by dialing 911 and how to contact a known family member or responsible trustworthy neighbor or adult should an emergency arise.
- Check your child’s route to and from school. Call attention to any dangerous spots such as vacant lots, alleyways, etc. Advise them what to do if a strange person follows or approaches them.
- Instruct your child’s school to notify you immediately if your child is absent. Inform the principal who is authorized to pick your child up from school. Try to have the same person pick your child up every day when possible.
- Choose a secret code word to use with your child in case of an emergency. Tell your child never to go with anyone who does not know this code word.
- Advise your child what to do if they feel lost. Help them to identify the safest place to go or person to ask for help in reuniting them with you or other caregiver. Examples of safe helpers could be a uniformed law-enforcement or security officer, store salesperson with a nametag, person with a nametag who is working at the information booth.
