Authorities in Galena Park are investigating after a student was approached and chased by an unknown man while she waited for her school bus Wednesday morning.
Galena Park ISD sent out a message to parents with children who attended Cobb Sixth Grade Campus informing them that one of their students who was walking to the bus stop near the corner of Cloverleaf and Force St. was approached by an unknown man.
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The district said the student described the man as a 5′0″ tall Hispanic man who approached asking if the student knew his sister who attended the same school but had passed away.
The student said the man then attempted to hug her, but she shook the man’s hand instead and then ran toward their bus stop. The man followed, also running towards the bus.
The student was able to make it safely on the bus and report the unknown man to school officials.
Since the incident, the Galena Park ISD wants to send a warning to students to stay vigilant always:
- Try to walk with a group of friends.
- Watch for things that are happening around you.
- Never go near a stranger’s car.
- Never accept candy or a ride from a stranger.
- Never tell strangers you are going home to an empty house.
- Immediately report anything unusual to a trusted adult; if a parent is not available – police officers, teachers, principals, firefighters, a store clerk, or a security guard.
- Five statements commonly used to entice children to come with a stranger are: Can you give me directions? I lost my dog/cat/pet. Can you help me find him? There is an emergency, and your mom/dad wants you to come with me. I have candy. Would you like some? Let’s play a game.
“We are committed to the safety of our students; therefore, we have requested that patrols be increased in the area,” the district said.