Livonia Public Schools report two 'stranger dangers'

Man exposed himself to students in one incident

LIVONIA, Mich. – Livonia Public Schools sent two letters home to parents this week to inform them of two separate incidents of a strange man approaching students while they were on their way home from school.

The first incident was Monday afternoon when a man in an older-model, red minivan drove near two students who were walking home from their bus stop near Meadowlark and Harrison streets, which is in the area of Lyndon Street and Middlebelt Road. The man stood up in his driver's seat and exposed himself to the students.

The students told their parents who called police. The kids were able to give a short description of the man: a white man in his mid-30s with a mustache.

The district says school personnel were at the bus stop on Tuesday.

The second incident was Wednesday afternoon near Merriman and Joy roads. A 10-year-old girl was approached by a man when she was walking home from her bus stop about 4 p.m. near Melrose and Arizona streets. The man told the girl to get into his vehicle. She refused and when the man offered her candy, she ran. He drove away.

The man is described as white and in his 60s with gray hair and a gray beard. He was not wearing a shirt. He was driving a newer-model, dark blue minivan, possibly a Chrysler.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information on either of these incidents should call Livonia police at 734-466-2470.

30057246

The school district released this statement:

"The district appreciates the police and community's vigilance in helping to keep our students safe as they're walking to and from schools and bus stops.

It is unusual to have two such incidents within a matter of days. In each instance, the students did the right thing by running and quickly reporting the incidents to an adult.

We encourage parents to review safety measures with their students, which include walking in groups, avoiding conversation with strangers, running if they feel threatened and informing an adult as soon as possible of any unusual incident."

-- Stacy Jenkins, Livonia Public Schools Administrator of District Communications