UPDATE – Police now report that the incident was the “result of poor judgment and immature behavior by local teenagers, rather than an attempted abduction.”

On May 20th, the Conshohocken Police Department posted on social media an alert that urged parents and residents to remain vigilant following a suspicious incident reported near Conshohocken Elementary School on May 19th.

According to the alert, on Tuesday, May 19th, at approximately 4:30 p.m., a child walking home from school was reportedly approached by an unknown person driving a white SUV along the 100 Block of East 3rd Avenue. The driver is alleged to have attempted to get the student into the SUV by offering a ride and candy. The child returned home safely and notified his or her parents, who then contacted police and school officials.

Police encourage parents to regularly discuss “stranger awareness” and situational safety with their children in a calm and age-appropriate manner. Below are tips on safety precautions.

• Never accept rides, gifts, candy, or money from strangers
• Stay alert and avoid distractions while walking home
• Walk with friends or groups whenever possible
• Immediately leave the area and seek help from a trusted adult if approached by someone suspicious
• Memorize important phone numbers and safe locations along their route home

Anyone who may have witnessed suspicious activity or has information related to this incident is asked to contact the Conshohocken Police Department at 610-828-4032.

Photo: Google