The Colonie Police department added patrols near Forts Ferry Elementary after an incident on Thursday morning, Sept. 18.
Lieutenant Winn of the Colonie Police Department said that a 9-year-old male, Forts Ferry student was walking to school when a man in a grey four-door sedan, driven by an older white male with a grey beard, approached the student and yelled,`get in my car.` The boy also said the man had a British accent. The incident took place near Perry Avenue and Eleanor Place.
After telling the man that he would not get in the vehicle the student ran in the opposite direction the vehicle was traveling and reported to school. The car was last seen heading away from the school. Upon hearing of the incident, Forts Ferry officials filed a report with the Colonie Police Department.
A statement released by the school said, “Student safety is our primary concern and we encourage students to travel in pairs or groups when possible and be vigilant as they walk to or from school, bus stops and their homes.”
The statement also suggests that if students are approached by a vehicle they should run away in the opposite direction the vehicle is facing, as quickly and safely as possible. Students were told to alert a school official, parent or the police as soon as possible.
Winn said there will be an increased police presence near the school during arrival and dismissal times for the foreseeable future or until the suspect involved is located.
