08/28/09 — Report of abductor was just a mistake

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Report of abductor was just a mistake

By Nick Hiltunen
Published in News on August 28, 2009 1:46 PM

Reports of a suspicious male attempting to have children get in his car at a bus stop turned out to be a misunderstanding, authorities said.

Authorities first received reports on Tuesday that a male had attempted to lure children from a bus stop in the 3000 block of Stevens Mill Road.

Wayne County Sheriff's Office Detective Rick Farfour was able to identify the man on Thursday, and authorities now believe that the man had no criminal intent.

"We've tracked down that person, and it was all a misunderstanding," Capt. Tom Effler said.

However, Sheriff Carey Winders has noted the importance of teaching children about "stranger danger."

"Warn your children about a stranger who may be in the neighborhood, asking a child to come up to the car," Winders said. "Do not go near the car. Run away. If a stranger offers you candy, do not take it."