Bristol Cops Probe Report Of Stranger Asking Girl If She Needs Ride

BRISTOL, CT — A young girl reported being approached by a stranger who asked if she needed a ride on Wednesday afternoon, according to police.

Lt. Patrick Krajewski said the incident happened around 3:25 p.m. after the girl was let off of her school bus on High Street near Bellevue Avenue.

An individual in a small black SUV rolled down the window just enough to speak to the girl, but not enough so she could see the person, and asked, “Do you need a ride?"

The girl said, “No,” and continued to walk away down a shared driveway. At this point, the vehicle turned into the driveway in an apparent attempt to follow her, police said.

The girl then ran away, and the vehicle left the area, according to police.

Police found security footage, which captured the incident as the girl described it, police said.

According to police, the vehicle is similar in size to a Toyota Rav4, and it can be seen approaching and following the girl. The vehicle was traveling westbound on High Street toward Main Street prior to the interaction, police said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has surveillance video which captured a clearer image of the vehicle, is asked to contact police. The owner or operator of the vehicle is also asked to contact police. Reach out to Det. Christopher Dudzikowski at ChristopherDudzikowski@BristolCT.gov or 860-314-4569.

“While this matter is still under investigation, we encourage parents to have conversations with their children about being safe and aware of their surroundings,” police said, in a press release.