Strange Man Tried To Lure Kids Into Car At Bus Stop, Police Say

CROFTON, MD — After a stranger man tried to lure children waiting at a Crofton bus stop into his car Monday morning, Anne Arundel County police have planned extra patrols at Crofton Elementary School during drop-off and pick-up periods.

The encounter happened between 8 and 8:20 a.m. at the school, located at 1405 Duke of Kent Drive in Crofton, police said. Students from three magnet programs at two Annapolis-area middle schools were waiting for their bus when a man in a gray four-door sedan pulled up and asked them to get into his car.

According to police, when the students refused, the man got out of his vehicle and asked them again to get into the car, claiming he was taking them to school.

Because they didn't know the man, the students ran away, police said. The driver left, and the students were taken to their schools, where they told school officials of the encounter.

As an extra precaution, patrol officers will be present at Crofton Elementary School during drop-off and pick-up periods.

Western District detectives are investigating and ask anyone with information about the incident to call 410-222-8760 or the Anne Arundel County Police Tip Line at 410-222-4700.

District officials urged parents to discuss personal safety precautions with their children, especially when they are walking to school or waiting for a bus:

• Have your children walk in a group or with another person.
• Stress to your children to be aware of their surroundings.
• Urge your children not to take items of any kind from anyone they do not know.
• Develop a plan to help your children take appropriate action if a stranger approaches.
• Have your children report anything unusual or upsetting to them to a responsible adult (parent, guardian, school staff member, police officer, etc.) immediately.

Safety concerns can also be reported anonymously to the Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line at 833-MD-B-SAFE. That line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.