Teens Attempt to Lure Kids into Car in Oakland Township

Parents are encouraged to stay alert after several children reported being told to get into a red Jeep-type vehicle late Thursday afternoon in Oakland Township, according to Capt. Michael Johnson of the in Rochester Hills.

"Last night, in a couple different locations up in Oakland Township, there were kids that were outside playing at 5:30 in the evening that were approached by a couple of teenagers in a car, and they were just told to get in the car," Johnson said.

Johnson said a car full of teenagers approached at least two different groups of kids as they were playing outside.

“We’re talking about 17- or 18- or 19-year-old kids that are talking to 10- or 11-year old kids," Johnson said. "The 10- or 11-year-old kids that were riding on their bicycles just rode off and didn’t pay any attention to them."

Johnson said the kids then told their parents, who immediately called the police.

"Then, 15 minutes later, a vehicle with the same description with at least one guy in it pulled up in front of some 8-year-olds," Johnson said. "Five 8-year-olds were playing in the front yard, and (he) yelled, ‘Hey, get in the car,’ and again, they all scampered and headed into the garage.”

Johnson said the sheriff's office is working toward finding the individuals responsible, and R is planning to send an email to parents today informing them of the incidents.

"Our school liaison officers are working on it now, and we may have a lead on who the responsible parties are," Johnson said.

"We applaud the actions of the parents and the kids," said Debra Hartman, community relations manager for Rochester Community Schools. Hartman said the incident occurred near .

"This is a good opportunity to reminds kids of what they need to do if they are approached by a stranger," she added.

"It really was not an attempted kidnapping," Johnson clarified. "I think it’s more to scare the kids. I don’t think there was an attempt at any abduction. Nobody got out of the car and tried to grab anybody – they just yelled at them to get in the car.”

Still, Johnson is telling parents to be alert and to call the sheriff's office if they notice any suspicious activity

"It was enough to scare them," Johnson said, "and the kids did the right thing by going the other way, and they also did the right thing by telling their parents, and they did the right thing by calling us.”

If you have any information about the incident, please call the Oakland County Sheriff's Office at 248-652-4617.