Children Reminded to Avoid Strangers

An encounter between five children and a man driving slowly near Saticoy Elementary School in Ventura late last week has prompted Ventura police to warn children to never approach strangers.

Five boys reported the incident to their teachers April 25, after a man drove up to them as they walked to school, said Det. Sgt. Gary McCaskill.

The man, who did not roll down his car windows or stop the car, gestured to the boys as he slowly drove past, McCaskill said. When the two boys ignored the man, he drove to the group of three boys and repeated the gesture. The boys all ran away from the car, which did not pursue them.

The car was described as a maroon car, possibly a Ford Taurus, with faded spots on it. The man was described as in his 20s, clean-shaven, wearing a blue T-shirt.

“There was no evidence of a crime being committed,” McCaskill said. “But it’s a good time to remind parents to talk to their children about never talking to strangers.”

A previously scheduled school assembly with DARE officers Friday will mention the incident, police said.