Snoqualmie Police are investigating an attempted abduction that took place at a Snoqualmie Ridge store.
Police reports say that at about 2 p.m. Tuesday, July 19, three 12-year-old boys were approached by a gray-haired man who offered to buy them candy if they would leave with him.
One of the boys told the man they were with their mothers, after which the man left the store.
The incident was reported to police on Wednesday, July 20. Police have so far not been able to determine the identity of the man. The surveillance tapes at the store and credit union did not show anyone matching his description. A photo of a gray-haired, registered sex offender who lives in the area was shown to one of the boys who said that this was definitely not the man who approached them at the store.
Snoqualmie city officials offer the following tips to help parents keep children safe from abduction:
• Be sure you know where your children are at all times and when they are supposed to return home.
• Know whom your children’s friends’ are, where they live and how to get in touch with them.
• Never leave a small child alone – at home or in the car – even for just a few minutes.
• Teach your children that bad people don’t necessarily look mean – they often smile and act friendly. Teach your children not to be tricked – be smart!
• Discuss with your children how to identify safe adults who they can go to when they are in danger – people like police and firefighters.
• Use role-playing and “what if” scenarios so children can practice what to do and how to respond in different situations.
• Decide a secret code word to use in emergency situations. If you can’t pick up your children yourself, make sure the person you send uses the code word. Your child should never go with
anyone who does not know the code word.
• Give your children whistles to blow on if they feel in danger. The whistles will attract attention and may prevent a crime.
• Make sure your child knows how to reach you in an emergency.
• Teach your children how and when to call 9-1-1
