Renton PD Investigates Reported Luring Attempts
Posted on 01/31/2020

THIS IS AN ARCHIVED NEWS STORY FROM 2020 AND THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NO LONGER APPLY. FOR THE LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS CLICK HERE.

The City of Newcastle wants to let you know that Renton Police are investigating two incidents where Hazelwood Elementary School students have reported men attempting to lure them as they were walking home from their school bus stop along Lake Washington Blvd North. These incidents DID NOT occur in the City of Newcastle. Newcastle Police Chief Houck has asked us to share the following message: "While we are just a short distance away, the City of Newcastle has NOT had any similar incidents to this. Now seems to be as good a time as any to go over "stranger danger" with your kids so they know what to do and what not to do if they are approached by strangers."

The Renton School District posted this message and tips on social media. Please take the time to read it over and contact Renton PD if you have any information or questions:

Renton Police are investigating two incidents where Hazelwood Elementary School students have reported men attempting to lure them as they were walking home from their school bus stop along Lake Washington Blvd North. Police said there was no immediate indication the incidents were connected.

In the first case, a 9-year-old girl told police that on Jan. 9, a man wearing "a reflective construction jacket" grabbed her by the backpack shortly after she got off the school bus on the 4900 block of Lake Washington Boulevard North. Police said the girl did not get a good look at the suspect.

A second attempted luring case was reported Thursday near Gene Coulon Park. A 10-year-old boy told police a man sitting in a large black truck approached him as he walked home from his bus stop. Police said the man attempted to get the child to come with him, claiming the boy's mother had sent him. The boy did not believe him and ran away when the man tried to grab him. Police said a school bus driver saw part of the exchange and took the student to a safe location.

Detectives have not developed detailed descriptions of the suspects involved or the vehicles they were driving. Renton Police and Renton School District security continue to investigate and have increased patrols along Lake Washington Blvd. Renton school bus drivers are also being vigilant along their routes.

Anyone with information regarding either incident is encouraged to contact Renton Police Det. Robert Onishi at 425-430-7529.

Parents are asked to speak with students about ways to stay safe while walking to and from school, or if approached by a stranger.

• Walk to and from school with other students when possible. There is safety in numbers.
• Be alert and aware of your surroundings.
• Walk along main streets when possible. Don’t cut through alleys, wooded areas or parks.
• If a stranger approaches, run home, to school, or to the nearest public building and ask an adult for help.
• If an adult approaches to ask for directions, step back, tell them you don't know and walk away. Adults should only ask other adults for directions.
• NEVER get into anyone's car without permission from your parents.
• Make sure family members know when students leave the house and when they will return home.

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