Phoenix PD: Stranger tries to get girl in car

PHOENIX - Police are investigating after a child reported a man tried to get her into a vehicle in south Phoenix early Wednesday.

Phoenix police Sgt. Trent Crump said investigators are treating the case as a suspicious person and vehicle saying a car pulled up next to an 11-year-old girl walking to school near 10th Avenue and Dobbins and said something about her getting in the car.

The girl returned home and called police. Crump said no contact was made between the girl and driver.

The vehicle is said to be a tan or light brown 4-door sedan with a dent in the passenger door. The driver was described as a Hispanic male, 40- to 50-years-old, chubby with a double chin, with dark skin and some facial hair.

A letter was sent to parents of children at Southwest Elementary School explaining the incident and urging parents and students to be extra cautious and vigilant.

They suggested going over the following recommendations with their children:

• Children should never walk alone
• Remind your children every day to never talk to any strangers
• Teach your children to be aware of the tricks that strangers use to lure them in - candy, ice cream, asking for help, etc.
• If a stranger approaches students tell them to run to the nearest and safest place.