Man attempts to lure boy into car in Antioch

Amy Hollyfield Image
ByAmy Hollyfield KGO logo
Friday, April 24, 2015
Man attempts to lure boy into car in Antioch
There is a warning for parents in Antioch after a stranger tried to pick up an elementary school student.

ANTIOCH, Calif. (KGO) -- Security has been stepped up at Belshaw Elementary School in Antioch as police look for the man who appears to be on the prowl for vulnerable children. There was also a similar incident near Bristow Middle School in Brentwood earlier this week.



Drop off was crowded Friday morning at the school. Moms said there were more parents here than usual, keeping a closer eye on their kids now that word has spread of a stranger trying to lure a child into his truck.



"It was like phone trees -- all of us moms were calling each other -- 'did you hear this? Do you know who it was?'" said Carly Garcia, mother.



The school wasn't just full of parents; the school district also increased security on campus. We have administrators here from the district office. We have our security team out and about -- you probably don't even see them right now," said Bob Sanchez, Dir. Student Support Services.



Antioch police say a man driving a red pickup tried to convince a fifth grade boy to get into the truck Thursday morning around 8:45. The boy refused and he later reported it to school officials. Antioch police got called around 1 p.m. Investigators say they are looking, but haven't found the man.



"Obviously it's disturbing, but it is the times we live in. Besides teaching students basics we have to teach them about social life and what's going on," said Sanchez



Administrators also reached out to parents, telling them what happened and encouraging them to talk to their kids about stranger danger.



"It does not surprise me at all. All I can do is teach my children about what to do if such an event happens. I would never assume an event like this couldn't happen to them," said Garcia.



Kelli Holland says she too has covered the topic thoroughly.



He knows not to go anywhere with anyone but his parents. I can count on one hand how many times my son's been out of me and my husband's sight. Nothing's going to happen to him," said Kelli Holland, mother.



Antioch police are canvassing the neighborhood and looking to see if anyone has surveillance video of the man.

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