Police in Georgia say the same man has tried to lure at least four children into his car since the start of the year, MyFoxAtlanta.com reports.
Authorities say the first incident happened in January in Norcross, an Atlanta suburb, where a 13-year-old girl walking toward her home heard a man trying to convince her to get in his car, then reportedly took her picture before driving off.
Less than a month later, a 14-year-old girl was approached by a man in a similar car offering a ride and asking her if she would like to make a few hundred dollars.
“In each case, children knew that something was wrong immediately. Whatever information they've gotten from their teachers, parents kicked in and they did the right thing and did not go anywhere with the suspect,” said Cpl. Jake Smith of Gwinnett County Police.
Gwinnett Police Search for Man Targeting Children: MyFoxATLANTA.com
Since then two more children -- a boy in Snellville and girl in Norcross -- were approached by a man believed to be the same suspect.
In the most recent incident, Juawana Holmes said her 11-year-old niece escaped a would-be abductor. She said the fourth-grader was walking to her bus stop when she saw a man with a mask trailing behind her. The girl ran to other students, Holmes said.
“We're concerned about stopping this trend before it becomes an actual abduction,” said Smith.
Some parents are expressing concern. "It's awful that we live in a time like this. I hope he's caught and dealt with," said Pamela Dilworth.
Holmes said she now walks her niece to the bus stop in the morning and is waiting for her in the afternoon.
The suspect is described as an African American male in his 30's with short or bald hair. The suspect is believed to be driving a gold-colored car. Authorities also say in the most recent cases he's worn a black mask.
“We've had four that were reported, but since nothing has actually happened, we fear that there were others where an incident actually occurred but nobody actually reported it to police,” said Smith.
Anyone with information on these incidents can call Gwinnett County Police at 770-513-5300.
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