Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Close Call

It was a very upsetting time for us late yesterday afternoon.  Two of our grandchildren and their friend (aged 7 and 8) were accosted by a man wearing a ski mask on their way home from school.  This creep was hanging around their school when the incident happened.  Our kids had been playing before heading home so were alone in the school yard.  The guy tried to entice them to approach him but the kids had been taught better and ran away.  He followed them as far as the driveway of their friend's home, then just walked away.  Taylor's mother called Sara to tell her what happened, then drove the kids home (2 blocks).  Sara called the police too and they came and questioned all three kids - Taylor at her home and Max and Charlie at theirs.  Although shaken, the kids gave their statements very well, and Max even thought it was cool to have the police come to talk to him.  The police left, saying they'd alert the reporters so the incident will be brought to the attention of the public - without names - and the school will also be notified.

We were very lucky this time.  It's so important that kids be warned about suspicious looking people.  It's really sad though that kids shouldn't be able to freely come and go the three blocks to school.  They'll be picked up after school from now on.   We'll be keeping an eye on them for awhile to see if they have any adverse effects from this experience - nightmares and such.  One of them was afraid to go to one of her scheduled activities last night.  It's been a reality check for all concerned.

Max and Charlie
Give your kids an extra hug today.

17 comments:

Holly said...

Oh Pat! It just doesn't get any more scary than that. I'm so sorry. Thank the Lord they are all fine and home with their families!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

Too scary for sure. It's good that none of them was alone. Even years ago when mine were young I always warned them and they always went with a buddy or two. Hug your children and make them aware...very good advice today! Hope you have a wonderful Wednesday.

RoeH said...

Oh my gosh-- so glad it turned out better than the 6:00 news I hear every day! So scary. I'd close them up with me for about two weeks and just be thankful they are okay. I worry about that with my grand girls. It just happens way toooo much.

Laeli said...

Oh! I'm so glad they're safe!

I had multiple creeps approach me as a child and young woman, it IS scary*shudder. I grew up in the Lower Mainland, BC in Clifford Olsen's era.

Those kids were super smart to react the way they did. I'm so happy to know they are safe and have the skills to keep themselves that way.

Magpie said...

Oh, this is frightening! I'm so glad that it had a safe outcome, but I know the kids will still have been effected on some level...a loss of innocence. You're so right...hugs and lessons.

Bev said...

Ohh... was that Lethbridge...or Lacombe...?

Scary you think you'r are safe...and just hear about things like that happening...but when it happens to you....WOW!!

just call me jo said...

So thankful they were smart kids and managed to get to safety. I worry every day about things like this. So many sicko/crazo people out there. They were taught well.

BB said...

We all think of kids/grandkids are well taught in safety but this just reminded me that they need to be reminded again. Thanks for putting this up. I'm so thankful these kids were smart enough to avoid and tell someone but this creep is still out there and will try again. Hope he gets caught soon.

Ellie said...

Oh that is just too scary. So glad the children are ok - doesn't bare thinking about. Thank goodness they have been taught well and they were smart about it.
Give them a hug from me too.

Haf Dozen Reasons....... said...

Great parents that taught their children well!! Smart children to use the lesson so effectively!!
So glad to hear all is well.

Hugs to all!!

Mickey said...

Not Charlie and Max! Imagine how smart they were to run away and tell their parents. Guess this makes all of us more aware of what can happen and what makes us as parents and grandparents teach our children how to protect themselves. Very sad. I do think those empty skating rinks with sides around them are very dangerous places where crime could easily happen and no one would see or hear a thing. Maybe they should be taken down like they used to. I understand that is where 'he' tried to lure them to.. Just happy it all turned out ok for you all!

Sush said...

My stomach clutched as I read this. One of my sons had a narrow escape and nearly molested all in a bathroom at a Burger King years ago. I didn't know he'd gone in as I had sat all the kids at the table and went with the baby on hip to order. When I came back and noticed him gone I sent the older one in to get him. I noticed a strange man leaving out the bathroom and heading out the side door. It wasn't until later that evening that the our sweet boy had the courage to tell us what had happened. It can happen in a blink of an eye. I'm so glad they are safe and hope they catch the pervert!
Hugs~

TARYTERRE said...

Thank god the children are okay. This was a scary situation, indeed. When I was a little girl my best friend and I were followed by two men in a car as we walked to the DIME STORE. They were trying to lure us into it. We ran too. And police were called, etc. So I KNOW what you all went through. I hope and pray that they catch the creep that did this to your grandchildren. You are all in my prayers. Take care.

Granny Annie said...

I am literally on my knees giving thanks for the safety of your grandchildren. Oh how scary for a predator to come so close to your loved ones. Bright children to respond the way they did. Yes let's all hug our grandkids today.

Chatty Crone said...

I hate that - Andy gets picked up personally every day at the bus stop - you just can't trust. I am so thankful they are okay. sandie

Delena said...

It is so sad that there is so many bad people out there praying on our childrens innocence. I am glad your were smart and ran.

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