Police Investigating Suspicious Statement Toward Child At St. James Park: Police

SMITHTOWN, NY — Suffolk County Police are investigating a report involving a suspicious statement made toward a child at a St. James park earlier this month, according to police.

Police said an unknown individual made a statement possibly directed toward a 10-year-old girl at Veterans Memorial Park at approximately 6 p.m. on Nov. 4. The girl was not injured, police said.

The Smithtown Kickers/Slammers youth soccer club later notified families about the incident in a letter, urging parents to review safety guidelines. The club said the child returned to her coach immediately, and staff contacted authorities.

In the letter, the club said the player was returning to practice from the restroom when she reported that a man in a gray car rolled down his window and said something to her. The child “responded exactly as she should” by running back to her field and notifying her coach, the club said.

The club also told families that the coach contacted the Smithtown Parks Department and Suffolk County Police immediately, that a report was filed, and that “both agencies reviewed the video footage from the time of the incident.” Staff also reinforced restroom-buddy procedures and pickup safety guidelines, according to the letter.

The club also addressed the incident in a Facebook post, telling the community that safety was its top priority and reminding families to remain vigilant while using the fields.

Fourth Precinct Crime Section officers are continuing to investigate. Police are asking anyone with information to call 631-854-8426 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.