Last evening, news traveled through social media that two men – traveling in a beat-up black Bronco – were trying to lure female children into their vehicle. Residents said the men looked to be in their 20s and were seen in a couple different Bridgeport neighborhoods. 

 

Bridgeport Police Chief John Walker said only one incident was reported Tuesday night and that it allegedly took place on Pearcy Street (which connects Worthington Drive and Stout Street). He said the individual filing the report indeed took the right action. According to that eyewitness report, the vehicle in question did not stop or slow down and no verbal communication was made between the men in the Bronco and the little girl involved in the incident.

 

“A concerned citizen said his daughter saw a vehicle go by and she said the driver waved for her to come over to the vehicle,” Walker said.

 

A relative present at the scene saw it play out and she, too, believed the man was making the hand gesture toward the young girl.

 

After word spread about the alleged incident, Walker said Bridgeport Police Department began receiving other calls from concerned citizens. Walker advises there is certainly no need to panic, but as always, advise children to be cautious and make certain they know how to react should someone try to lure them into a vehicle.

 

“Tell them to be aware of their surroundings and if someone tries to entice them to get into a vehicle, not to go,” he said. “If (perpetrators) are being aggressive or insistent, go to the nearest house – preferably someone you know – and get help. Or start screaming - or anything that would draw attention to yourself.”

 

There was no aggressiveness reported with regard to last night’s incident and when spotted, the driver of the vehicle did not speed off. If anyone sees a vehicle and occupants meeting the description, they are urged to call Bridgeport Police Department 304-842-8260 or 911 after 4 p.m.

 

“If we find the vehicle, we can check it out and see if there is a history and know what we’re dealing with,” Walker said.