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01/19/2010 11:00 PM

D.A.R.E. to Challenge 'Stranger Danger': Bus Stop Incidents Reported


Guilford Police D.A.R.E. Officer William Maisano (pictured) and Sgt. Dane Lawrence gave a "Stranger Safety" class to the entire student population at Calvin Leete Elementary School on Jan. 10.

With two recent "stranger danger" scares involving kids at bus stops, Guilford police continue putting out safety messages to students. On Jan. 10, D.A.R.E. Officer William Maisano and Sgy. Dane Lawrence gave a "Stranger Safety" class for all The two officers discussed having a plan with a trusted adult in the event a child becomes separated at a store, large event, or gathering and always letting a trusted adult know your plans by telling them where you will be and with whom. When approached by someone requesting help or offering something, kids were told to "go and get your trusted adult first," explained Lawrence.

Calvin Leete school students.

The two officers discussed having a plan with a trusted adult in the event a child becomes separated at a store, large event, or gathering and always letting a trusted adult know your plans by telling them where you will be and with whom. When approached by someone requesting help or offering something, kids were told to "go and get your trusted adult first," explained Lawrence. "Don't allow strangers into your home. Do not get into a car with a stranger. If someone or something makes you uncomfortable in any way, tell your trusted adult, a teacher, a police officer, or anyone else whom you trust," he said.

"Don't allow strangers into your home. Do not get into a car with a stranger. If someone or something makes you uncomfortable in any way, tell your trusted adult, a teacher, a police officer, or anyone else whom you trust," he said. On Jan. 7, officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Stepstone Hill Road. A Guilford 6th-grader exiting a school bus at her shared driveway saw a vehicle in the drive occupied by a man with a dog. He waved for the girl to pass, but she instead returned to the school bus and told her driver. The driver radioed the bus company, which in turn notified police. That man was found to be in the neighborhood on legitimate business, but police commended the 6th grader for her alert observation and reaction to a possible "stranger danger" situation.

On Jan. 7, officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle on Stepstone Hill Road. A Guilford 6th-grader exiting a school bus at her shared driveway saw a vehicle in the drive occupied by a man with a dog. He waved for the girl to pass, but she instead returned to the school bus and told her driver. The driver radioed the bus company, which in turn notified police. That man was found to be in the neighborhood on legitimate business, but police commended the 6th grader for her alert observation and reaction to a possible "stranger danger" situation. Police are still investigating a Dec. 8 incident involving "stranger danger." Two elementary school-aged children exiting a bus reportedly encountered an older man parked in a pick-up truck in a common driveway on Goose Lane. As they walked past, he reportedly told them both to get in the truck. The two said "No," according to police. They then passed the truck and got into a parent's vehicle. The parent then contacted police from home to report the incident.

Police are still investigating a Dec. 8 incident involving "stranger danger." Two elementary school-aged children exiting a bus reportedly encountered an older man parked in a pick-up truck in a common driveway on Goose Lane. As they walked past, he reportedly told them both to get in the truck. The two said "No," according to police. They then passed the truck and got into a parent's vehicle. The parent then contacted police from home to report the incident. The man was described as heavy set, in his 50s or 60s, with wavy white hair and white moustache. He was operating a two-door, burgundy-colored pickup truck with black cab support bars and carrying what was described as "junk" in the truck bed. Police Officer Fasulo can be contacted at the police department with any further information about the man.

The man was described as heavy set, in his 50s or 60s, with wavy white hair and white moustache. He was operating a two-door, burgundy-colored pickup truck with black cab support bars and carrying what was described as "junk" in the truck bed. Police Officer Fasulo can be contacted at the police department with any further information about the man. To contact the Guilford Police Department call 203-453-8061 or call 911 for emergencies. The Guilford Police Department is also available at www.guilfordct.com/police.

To contact the Guilford Police Department call 203-453-8061 or call 911 for emergencies. The Guilford Police Department is also available at www.guilfordct.com/police.