The Champaign Police Department took of a report of a male subject approaching an 11-year-old girl in the area of Crescent Drive and W. John Street.
Reports indicate that on September 9, 2013, around 3:00 PM, a juvenile was walking home from school, and heading north on Crescent Drive, when she noticed a man standing on the north side of John Street. As she crossed the street, the man jogged over to her. The man asked the girl twice what her name was and asked her if she was walking home from school. The student did not answer, crossed the street, and the man followed her. As she started to run home, she saw the man walking in the opposite direction toward Centennial High School.
Police are currently working closely with Champaign Unit 4 Schools to provide information to parents.
Children should be taught the following safety tips:
- Trust their instincts about people and situations. If the situation or environment doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t.
- Avoid assisting strangers with finding directions, lost pets or other requests. Adults know to get assistance and it should not be from a child.
- Be aware of their surroundings at all times, especially if they feel like they are being followed.
- Yell, scream or kick to get the attention of others.
- Tell a trusted adult; someone they feel will believe them and act on their concerns.
- Contact police immediately, it increases the likelihood of officers locating a potential suspect.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Champaign Police Department by calling (217) 351-4545. Callers can also remain anonymous by calling Crime Stoppers at 373-8477 (TIPS). Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1000 for information leading to an arrest.