Police Asking for Tips to Find Man Approaching Kids

Security has been beefed up around Shelby Township schools, and parents are on alert as police continue to look for a stranger who has approached at least four children in the past few weeks.

Now, residents are left wondering what their best line of defense is?

“Keep an eye on everything—when your kids are outside, when they are walking to and from school and outside playing,” said Shelby Township Detective Lt. Stan Muszynski.

That may come as a natural for most parents, but what may be the most useful to police in helping catch the stranger may require you to go out of your comfort zone and be extremely vigilant.

“If you see anything suspicious, call the police department. Let us know and we’ll check it out,” said Muszynski. “If the parent is driving home from work and sees a car that looks suspicious, and you can see the plate, just write it down.”

Local mother Lara Shovlin said she told her two elementary school children not to hesitate to report a suspicious looking adult to the school or her.

“Even if you’re wrong. For example, I said if they thought a guy looked suspicious, they should tell an adult. Even if you’re wrong, you won’t get in trouble. We would rather be safe than wrong,” said Shovlin.

Shovlin said she had this conversation with her Roberts Elementary School children after the most recent sighting Friday of the suspicious man in the parking lot of an apartment building on 23 Mile and Dequindre roads, which connects to her children’s school.

Police said the man—who fit the description of a man reported to have offered rides to children in three other incidents—approached a middle school-age child in the parking lot and offered the child a ride home.

The sighting forced Roberts Elementary School to keep the children inside during their normal recess hour.

Roberts Elementary School Principal Christine Ferber sent a letter home to parents Friday.

“I want to make you aware recess was held indoors today. The change was made on the recommendation from the Shelby Township Police Department who are investigating a report of a suspicious person in the area.”

Early in the morning on March 29, the suspicious man drove into the Malow Junior High School parking lot on 25 Mile Road and offered a teen a ride home, said Muszynski.

“This person is obviously pretty brazen because he was all over the news Tuesday and then there was another encounter Friday—he’s obviously not scared,” said Shovlin, which has her even more worried.

Several weeks ago, two elementary school children were approached on a residential street near Crissman Elementary School, which is off of 24 Mile Road and Van Dyke Avenue.

“Schools have been actively involved since day one,” said Muszynski. “The schools have sent home letters for parents and brought the younger kids in for stranger danger training. They have also informed all of the schools of the situation, and the description, telling the kids to walk to and from school with a group.”

After the first two reports, a police sketch of the suspected stranger was released.

The children have described the stranger as Hispanic, in his mid-30s, tall and stocky. He has short black hair, a mustache and a tattoo on his right arm.

The Malow student said the man was wearing sunglasses and driving a small black SUV, possibly a Chevrolet Blazer.

However, Muszynski said, the man may have already altered his appearance and changed vehicles.

Muszynski also mentioned that at this point, if the suspicious man is identified there are no charges pending.

“I don’t believe we can get anything on him. We just want to identify him and find out what his motives are,” he said.

Until the man is caught, parents will remain uneasy. Shovlin said she watches her children get on the bus from her home, she waits for them outside now, and she won’t let them play outside alone–not even for a second.

“I feel like people are aware. I have been keeping my eyes open in general and being observant. I am just a little more aware and cautious,” said Shovlin.

Muszynski said the he believes the break in the case will come from a caller with a tip.

“We’re hoping to get that lead that we need that will get us our suspect,” he said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Shelby Township Police Department at 586-731-2121.