Police Investigate Report of Suspicious Van at School Bus Stop

Police are investigating an incident Friday morning at a school bus stop in which a man in a white van repeatedly asked an 11-year-old boy if he needed a ride.

Nashua Police Sgt. Francis Sullivan confirmed that the incident occurred at a Pennichuck Middle School bus stop on Charles Street just before 8 a.m.

"A student was waiting for the bus in the area of Charles Street when a white van stopped and the driver asked the boy repeatedly if he needed a ride or wanted a ride," Sullivan said. "Then the subject drove off heading south on Charles Street."

Sullivan said the van was described as a white utility van with "Spirit of America" on the license plate, which would indicate a Massachusetts plate.

The driver was described as a man about 50 years old with white-and-black hair, and gray beard, wearing a blue coat with brown stripes. Police immediately issued a "be on the lookout" or BOLO alert to patrol officers and also notified Massachusetts police, Sullivan said. 

"The child made the bus driver aware, who advised the child to tell school administrators about the incident when he arrived, and that's what he dd. The school then issued a reverse alert to parents," Sullivan said.

Sullivan said there were no witnesses to the incident. Anyone having any information is asked to contact the Nashua Police Department at 603-594-3500.