A ‘suspicious interaction’ between an adult man and a 10-year-old girl is under investigation, Ferguson Township police reported Saturday night.
The incident happened between 3 and 3:30 p.m. Friday in Homestead Park, according to a news release. Police said the man tried to talk to the girl while she was standing near the pavilion there.
‘The male did not grab or chase the girl,’ the release reads. Police described him as a black man standing about six feet tall and wearing blue jeans and a hooded sweatshirt. He is likely in his 20s or 30s and had short black hair and no facial hair, according to the description.
Police said the man left the park in a small white car. They’re asking anyone who witnessed the interaction to call them at (800) 479-0050.
In addition, police released several suggestions for parents. They’re posted verbatim here:
- Parents should talk with their children and teach them strategies for handling strangers. Here are several tips: If a stranger approaches you, you do not have to speak to him or her. Never approach a stranger in a motor vehicle. Just keep walking. Do not accept candy or any other items from a stranger. Never walk off with a stranger no matter what he or she tells you.
- If a stranger grabs you, do everything you can to stop him or her from pulling you away or dragging you into his or her car. Drop to the ground, kick, hit, bite, and scream. Do whatever it takes to attract the attention of others who can help you. If someone is dragging you away, scream, ‘This is not my dad’ or, ‘This is not my mom.’
