UPDATE: Sex Offender Arrested After Approaching Malow Students Charged

A 32-year-old registered sex offender arrested Thursday morning in Shelby Township after police said he approached a Malow Junior High School student on the way to the bus stop was charged Friday on two counts. 

Judge Douglas Shepherd of 41-A District Court arraigned John Robert Galvan of Ferndale on charges of operating while intoxicated, second offense, and loitering in a school safety zone.

Shepherd set bond at $15,000 cash or surety on for the first charge and $10,000 on the second charge. If Galvan is able to post bond, he must remain on house arrest and wear a tether, said Shepherd.

He'll return to court on March 12 for a prelimary examination.

Galvin was arrested near 23 Mile and Shelby roads Thursday morning after a Utica Community Schools bus driver called police just after 7:45 a.m. to report that a man had approached a 14-year-old girl in the Crystal Lakes Apartment as she walked to the bus stop.

Detective Lt. Stan Muszynski said the students took note of the strange man's license plate as he continued to drive pass the bus stop, and when they got on the bus, they reported the incident to the driver.  

The students were safely transported to school and interviewed by Shelby detectives when they arrived.

"The students did all the right things by keeping away from the person and getting his vehicle license plate number," said Malow Junior High School Principal Robert Hock in a letter sent home to parents. "I am very proud of how the students handled the situation."

Last spring, a slew of stranger danger reports were made in Shelby Township after at least four students said a Hispanic man in his mid-30s approached them. No arrests were ever made in that case.

“I ask that you also use this as an opportunity to reinforce with your child the need to remain alert at all times and to stay in groups when outdoors,” added Hock.

Thursday’s incident remains under investigation. Anyone who may have witnessed the incident is asked to contact Lt. Stan Muszynski at 586-731-2121 Ext. 315, or muszynskis@shelbytwppd.org.

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