UPDATE: Police offer reward for information leading to arrest in attempted child abduction
UPDATE 12/6: Jefferson City police said on Wednesday a $500 CrimeStoppers reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspect involved in the attempted child abduction.
Investigators said they have determined the vehicle is most likely a Ford truck, with the letters “FX” on the side, which is an indicator of the model type.
UPDATE, 3:30 p.m.: Jefferson City Public Schools released the following statement to West School families.
Dear West School Parents:
We wanted to inform you about an attempted child abduction that occurred this morning near West School. The incident occurred off school grounds on Hayselton Drive. JCPS is working closely with the Jefferson City Police Department as they continue their investigation. The JCPD will have an increased presence in the neighborhood throughout the day, and especially during dismissal. Please see the JCPD press release that includes vehicle and suspect descriptions here (attached as PDF).
Given the situation, if you would like to change your child’s after school transportation plans, please call the West School office by 2:15 p.m. at 659.3195.
As we work together to keep our kids safe, here are a few reminders:
Encourage your child to always be aware of their surroundings.
Try to use the buddy system when walking/biking to and from school, and even when getting on or off the school bus.
Talk to your child about the seriousness of situations such as this and have a plan should something similar happen to them.
ORIGINAL STORY: Jefferson City police said on Tuesday morning they responded to West School for an attempted child abduction that occurred in a surrounding neighborhood.
According to the victim, she was on her way to West School in the Hayselton/Allen Drive area when a man grabbed her off her bike and attempted to pull her into his car.
Officers said she was able to get away and get to school, where she immediately notified school officials.
The male suspect is described as white, mid 30s, scruffy, with brown hair and crooked teeth.
His described as a 4-door red pickup, with step rails and a silver/chrome brush guard. Officers said the car is believed to have Missouri plates with the last digit being an 8.
Police anyone who knows any information about the incident to contact the police department at (573)-634-6400 or CrimeStoppers at (573) 659-TIPS.
