On 11/13/18, while walking home from school in the area of 123rd Street and Oak Park Avenue, two juvenile students reported being approached by a black truck or SUV. The students described an older male white driver and an older female white passenger in the vehicle. The driver apparently identified himself as a retired police officer and offered the students a ride home. The students turned down the ride and the vehicle drove away, westbound on 123rd Street.
The Palos Heights Police Department would like to make the community aware of the incident and take the opportunity to remind parents to talk to their kids about situations such as this, as well as other safety issues. Being informed and having plans in place, such as having a code word or meeting places, can make all the difference in certain situations. Always report suspicious incidents like this to the police.
There are many online resources to consult and learn about issues facing kids today. For information and tips on keeping your kids safe from abduction and other exploitation, please visit the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s website.