Second child abduction attempt reported outside Raleigh school within days

A second abduction attempt at a Wake County school has been reported.

In a message sent to families, Root Elementary School principal Blaine Clark said there was an incident where a man pulled up to a student walking home and asked them to get in the car. Clark said the man was in his 30s and driving a dirty, gray sedan. The student described the car was a Honda, according to Clark.

Wake County Security was called, said Clark, and the student's parents called Raleigh police. Police confirmed the attempt happened on Sept. 22.

Clark asked parents to talk to their children if they are a walker, and to be aware of what to do if approached by a stranger.

All Wake County schools were also notified about the incident, according to Clark.

On Thursday night, Raleigh Police Chief Estella Patterson spoke with parents at Chavis Community Park during a community forum in light of the incidents.

“We are investigating, we are looking to see if there are any leads, any witnesses to these incidents," Patterson said. "We will continue our investigation and exhaust every means that we have to make sure our kids are safe.“

So far, no one has been arrested.

"Today, we had a heavier presence than usual because of that incident," Patterson said. "It is important to me as chief if there is any activity that puts our young people at danger that we're on it immediately.”

In both cases, the children knew the do’s and don’ts and stayed away from the suspects.

"I was really relieved to hear the kid did the right thing," said parent Ann Enberg.

A man also tried to grab a student walking to Martin Magnet Middle School, in Raleigh, on Wednesday morning.

An older man in a red pickup truck approached the student, who was walking on Ridge Road, and tried to grab the child, Principal Marla Mondora said in a message to parents.

"I’m relieved to report that the student escaped, ran to school for assistance and is safe with family now," Mondora wrote.

Raleigh police and Wake County deputies were called, and law enforcement will step up patrols around Martin Middle on Wednesday and Thursday, she said.

"It’s times like these that we are extra grateful and appreciative of all the support they provide us to ensure the safety of our students. They work closely with us to ensure the safety of our students every day," she wrote.

Neighbors described the area as a largely safe, quiet place to live. Ridge Road is the road that runs alongside the school.

"We had two children and they’re grown right now and they walked across the street to school everyday," said Mario Guglielmi, who has lived in the area for almost 50 years. "I think this is a really unusual occurrence for this area."

"It’s scary," said Fields. "It makes me think about if I should be walking to school, especially on that busy road, thinking there’s a lot of people around."

Police beefed up their presence around the schools this week. The incidents don't appear to be related. Officers will maintain a presence in the area as the investigation progresses.

Mondora provided other tips that she wants parents to discuss with their children:

• Don’t talk to or take anything from strangers.
• Don’t go anywhere with someone you don’t know.
• If you are approached by a stranger, seek help immediately.
• If you are alone, run away from the situation.
• Use the buddy system. Avoid walking anywhere alone.
• If parents are able, walk with your child to school or partner with a trusted adult to walk your children to school.
• When seeking help, always go to a trusted adult – teacher, coach, police officer, other parent or older siblings.
• If a stranger grabs you, do everything you can to stop them from pulling you away. Drop to the ground, kick, hit, bite and scream. Do whatever it takes to attract the attention of others who can help you.
• Report any suspicious activity to your school and police department.

"When children hear about traumatic incidents such as this, it is not unusual for them to feel anxious, sad, fearful, angry or vulnerable," Mondora wrote. "In times of uncertainty, adolescents will often share their emotions with peers on social media, so it’s important that you are aware of their messaging. Also, please talk with your child about healthy ways to deal with emotions."

Anyone with information that might help the investigation is asked to call Raleigh CrimeStoppers at (919) 834-HELP or visit raleighcrimestoppers.org.