Boy Says Male Approached Him At Bus Stop, Grabbed His Arm

MIFFLIN TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Authorities were investigating a report of an attempted abduction Wednesday.

NBC 4 reported with the FAST FACTS.

A 12-year-old boy was waiting at a bus stop at Mecca Road and Perdue Avenue on the city’s Northeast Side when he was approached by a white male in his 50s, according to Deputy Chief Steve Martin with the Franklin County sheriff's office.

That was at about 8:15 a.m.

The male allegedly asked the boy where he went to school.

The boy said he told the male to mind his own business and the male grabbed his arm.

The boy backed away, picked up a brick and told the male to leave him alone.

That was when the school bus pulled up and the boy got on his bus.

"(He is a) smart little kid. Apparently, he's listened to somebody, whether it be mom or dad or school talking about stranger danger issues," Martin said.

The boy attends Medina Middle School, 1425 Huy Rd., which is part of the Columbus City Schools district.

The bus driver reported the incident.

The male was described as a white male in his 50s who is 6 feet tall and weighs 170 pounds. He has brown hair and was wearing a red hat, a yellow and blue shirt and black tennis shoes.

Martin said it was believed the male was on foot.

Franklin County deputies and Columbus police were involved in the ongoing investigation.

Martin said his office has alerted surrounding law enforcement agencies about the incident.

Columbus City Schools sent a letter home with students at Medina Middle School, alerting parents to the incident and reminding them about stranger danger tips. The text of the letter is included below.

NBC 4 first reported two boys were involved in the incident as that was the available information on the scene.

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LETTER SENT TO PARENTS
May 20, 2009

Dear Medina Middle School Parents and Guardians:

The education and safety of our children are the top two priorities at Medina Middle School. As principal, I want to make you aware of a situation that occurred within the neighborhood this morning.

A male student reported he was approached by an unknown, white male thought to be in 50s as the student was waiting at the school bus stop near Mecca Drive and Perdue Avenue. Fortunately the student was not physically harmed. Upon arrival of the bus, the student informed the driver, who was able to further describe the man to the police when a report was filed. In addition, our own Department of Safety & Security has been notified and will provide an additional diligent watch in the area.

Detectives are investigating the report, and will keep us apprised of any specific recommendations or precautions that need to be taken.

The intent of this letter is not to alarm you, but to inform you of this situation. Detectives are investigating the report, and will keep us apprised of any specific recommendations or additional precautions that need to be taken. Meanwhile, I want to encourage you to speak with your child about safety rules and practices including:

1. Don’t talk to strangers, get into cars or accept anything from them.
2. Walk with an adult or group of friends to and from school and after-school activities.
3. Follow the appropriate walking routes and stay in well-lit areas.
4. Come straight to school and go directly home after school.
5. Agree on a time when your child should be home after school.
6. Tell a trusted adult if you are ever approached by a person you don’t know or find yourself in an uncomfortable situation.

The best security is everyone working together to maintain a positive learning environment. Please work with us to ensure that all children are safe. Call me at 365-6050 if you have additional questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Michelle I. Myles
Principal