In two separate incidents on Jan. 4 and 13, Clarkston students reported seeing a suspicious vehicle loitering around schools in Independence township.
The suspicious episodes prompted Clarkston Community Schools to send a letter home to parents and additional police patrols as further investigation by the Oakland County Sheriff’s Department is conducted.
‘We’re continuing the investigation. We take these things very seriously,? said Lt. Dale LaBair of the Independence Township substation. ‘To the students: be vigilant. If you see anything suspicious report it.?
The most recent incident occurred at approximately 6:40 a.m. on Jan. 13 near Clarkston Elementary School located at 6595 Waldon Road. As stated in police reports, a 13-year-old male Sashabaw Middle School student was walking to his bus stop when he saw an older model black SUV parked near the track and football practice fields.
According to the report, as the boy passed the driver exited the vehicle wearing a dark colored mask and carrying what appeared to be a flashlight. The student saw the person walking towards him and fled the scene. He reported it to a custodian in the Clarkston Elementary School. The student said the man never said anything to him. The vehicle was gone when the custodian went to investigate.
The letter sent home to parents on Jan. 13 from Geraldine K. Moore, the Executive Director of Elementary and Middle School Education Services, informed parents of the incident that happened earlier that morning.
An excerpt from the letter sent home to parents by Moore read:
‘It is during situations such as this, that I feel it is important for all families to be reminded of the importance of open lines of communication with their children. Please take the opportunity to discuss with your children your family plan in regards to safety, strangers and suspicious activity.?
In addition to the Jan. 13 incident, police reports indicate another sighting occurred at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Jan. 4 again near Clarkston Elementary School.
Two female students, ages 8 and 10, were walking home on Eastview when they saw an older model black SUV drive back and forth a couple of times. As stated in reports, the vehicle stopped near them and the driver asked if they wanted a ride home.
The girls said no and ran home, reporting the incident to their father, who returned them to school where a report was taken. The girls could not say whether or not the suspect pursued them and the driver appeared to be the only occupant in the vehicle.
‘We’ve obviously adjusted our patrols to address the problem,? said LaBair. who noted deputies have concentrated patrols near all Clarkston Community Schools. He said police will continue seeking and interviewing possible witnesses.
As a further precaution, the letter sent home from the schools stated students must know they can and should report anything that makes them feel uncomfortable to a parent or trusted adult.
The suspicious person is described as a white male in his mid to late 30’s, standing approximately 5?11? with a medium build or slightly overweight. The suspect has short or balding hair and slight facial hair. He wore a black sweat shirt and dark colored pants.
The reported vehicle in both cases is a late 90’s to 2000 medium-size black SUV, possibly a Ford Explorer.
LaBair encouraged anyone with information on the situation to call 1-800-TURN-1-IN (887-6146).