DELAND, Fla. – The Deland Police Department is investigating several reports of a man driving a black vehicle and following children from local schools.
The department said Wednesday it has received reports in “recent days,” including an incident where the man asked a child to come up to the car.
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According to an incident report, a woman witnessed the child, a student at Southwestern Middle School, running from the car after seeing the driver speak to them. The woman asked the child if they were OK then offered her a ride to school, the report says.
Officials said the driver fled before police arrived. The department is asking parents to remind their children to be cautious while going to and from school.
Deland police said on Wednesday it received reports of a suspicious vehicle matching the same description at both Starke Elementary and Citrus Grove Elementary. Police have not released details of Wednesday’s possible sightings.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the department at 386-626-7400.