Police Looking for a Man Who Offered a Ride to a Girl at Bus Stop

Bradenton Police officers are searching for a man who approached a 9-year-old girl walking to her school bus stop and asked her if she wanted a ride.

The girl was walking along the 2200 block of 21st Ave. West on the way to her bus stop early today  when a man in an older boxy 4-door vehicle called out to the girl, “Hey do you need a ride?” The child replied “no,” and ran to her bus stop.

Bradenton Police Captain Warren Merriman asked parents to remind their children of the dangers of unknown people approaching them while going to or from school, and for their children to notify a school official or law enforcement officer immediately if such an incident occurs.

Bradenton Police are asking that anyone with information about this case call Detective Michael Page at (941) 932-9314. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000,  call Crime Stoppers (toll free) at 1-866-634-8477 (TIPS) or sending an anonymous E-Tip thru the web at www.manateecrimestoppers.com