Police Increase Patrols After Girl Approached Near School

Police said a 13-year-old girl was approached by a man in an SUV near a middle school Wednesday, saying he would drive her to school.

Annapolis Police Cpl. Amy Miguez said when another vehicle drove near her, she took the opportunity to run from the unidentified man. 

Anne Arundel County Public Schools issued a letter to parents informing them of the incident. The letter also urges parents to review safety tips when walking to school.

"The man proceeded to open the car door and told the student to get in the car. Fortunately, there was no attempt to grab the child and the child was not physically harmed," according to the letter.

Police have since increased patrols in the area near Bates Middle School.

"It's possible that it was a case of mistaken identity," MIguez said. "But we are treating it seriously. We are still investigating it, and we've increased patrols in that area, particularly when kids are out."

Miguez said the victim described the driver as a 40-year-old male. 

School officials issued the following safety tips for students walking to school:

• Have your child walk in a group or with another person.
• Stress to your child to be aware of his/her surroundings.
• Develop a plan to help your child take appropriate action if a stranger approaches.Have your child report anything unusual or upsetting to him/her to a responsible adult (parent,guardian, school staff member, police officer, etc.) immediately.