The Champaign Police Department is investigating two reports involving children; an attempted abduction and other suspicious activity.
Champaign Unit 4 School administration immediately contacted police, Thursday afternoon, after receiving information from a fifth grade, female student, that she was approached by an unknown man at the intersection of North Fifth Street and East Columbia Avenue while waiting for her school bus at 7:40 AM Thursday.
The offender is described as a white male, in his late 20’s or early 30’s, with short blond hair, a light brown beard and mustache, and wearing a black t-shirt.
The student reported that the man was driving a four-door, small silver car.
The car had a white tiger sticker in the right windshield. She also observed a key chain shaped like a finger or with the picture of a finger hanging from the trunk.
The student reported that the man asked her if she needed a ride, and she replied, “No.” She said he drove past her a second time and asked again if she needed a ride and told her to get in the car. She replied, “No,” again and began to run toward the home of someone she knew. As she was running, he made another statement to her. She thought he said, “I’m going to come after you!”
The student made it safely to the home to which she was running. The school was notified of this incident mid-afternoon.
At 3:40 PM Thursday, police a received a report of suspicious activity occurring near Williamsburg and Thornton in which a seven-year-old boy was approached by two unknown males riding in a black pick-up truck. The child reported walking in the area when the men made comments to him, which were not clearly understood. The vehicle then drove away, but returned to the area. At this time, the child then ran away. He was not physically harmed.
The first suspect is described as a white male, with short blond hair and wearing glasses and a dark green shirt.
The second suspect is described a white male, with blue eyes, short blond hair and wearing a black t-shirt. He was seen sitting in the passenger’s side of the truck.
The Champaign Police Department is investigating this incident believes that they may be related.
The public is encouraged to report any information about this incident to police.
Reports can be made by calling (217) 351-4545, or callers can remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at (217) 373-TIpS (8477). Information can also be reported anonymously via the web at www.373tips.com or by cell phone by texting keyword CCTIP plus the tip information to 274637 (CRIMES).