Security increased at school after man approaches young girl

The Wake County Sheriff's office stepped up security at Green Hills County Park in Raleigh after an 11-year-old told authorities she had a strange encounter with a man there Sunday.

The girl’s mother said her daughter was exercising on top of a hill at Green Hills County Park when the man approached her and then allegedly followed her down the hill. The community is already on edge after two attempted child abductions near Wake County schools.

Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker said the girl did the right thing by leaving to find adults after she says an older man came too close for comfort to her Sunday afternoon.

Baker acknowledged the heightened sensitivity parents and kids are feeling after police announced they were investigating two attempted child abductions just last week near Root Elementary and Martin Middle School in Raleigh.

The girl’s mother described the man as in his 50s or 60s with two front gold teeth. Baker says this case is very separate from the ones involving Root and Martin.

Parents in the park today tell us these situations remind them to talk to their kids about stranger danger.

Authorities say they are actively looking for a man who fits the girl’s description and have increased their presence at the park, but they also added the parks are still a safe and great place to take your family.