TOOELE, Utah – Police in Tooele are reminding parents to review personal safety with their children after an incident police said may have been either an attempted abduction or a case of mistaken identity.
According to a press release from officials in Tooele City, police officers received a report around 8:45 a.m. Thursday that a Caucasian female in a gray van had approached an 8-year-old child near Middle Canyon Elementary School and spoke with her. The child reported that she ran away and that the adult chased her.
Police provided extra patrols in the area and are investigating. According to the press release, “At this time, it is unknown if this is a criminal case or simply a case of mistaken identity.”
Authorities asked anyone with information about Thursday’s incident to call police at 435-882-8900.
The release also offered several safety tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children:
1)Tell them not to take shortcuts and to stay in well-lit areas. Check first with you or the adult in charge before going anywhere, helping anyone, accepting anything or getting into a car.
2)Take a friend when going places or playing outside.
3)Tell people “NO” if they try to touch you or hurt you. It’s OK for you to stand up for yourself.
4)Tell a trusted adult if anything makes you feel sad, scared or confused.
Prior to the new school year, walk the route to and from school with them pointing out landmarks and safe places to go if they need help.
