Scott Allen, Chief of Police
153 Central St.
East Bridgewater, MA 02333
For Immediate Release
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Contact: Benjamin Paulin
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: ben@jgpr.net
East Bridgewater Police Investigate After Boy is Approached by Man at School Bus Stop
EAST BRIDGEWATER — Chief Scott Allen reports that the East Bridgewater Police Department investigated a report of a child at a bus stop that was approached by a man in a van Tuesday morning. The police investigation revealed no criminal intent, and Chief Allen stresses that there is no danger to the community.
At approximately 7:20 a.m., a concerned parent called East Bridgewater Police to report that a man approached her son at a school bus stop in the area of Washington Street and asked the boy where he goes to school and if he wanted a ride. The 16-year-old, who attends high school in Easton, declined the ride and immediately reported the incident to his parents.
The man in the van was described as being in his 20s or 30s, with scruffy brown hair and a beard. He was wearing a brown t-shirt, jeans and boots and was driving a white work van with its hood tied down with a rope or bungee cord.
East Bridgewater Police quickly responded to the area, but were unable to locate the vehicle. A general broadcast was sent out to law enforcement agencies in the area to be on the lookout for the vehicle.
Through the subsequent investigation, East Bridgewater Police obtained video surveillance footage from a nearby business and they were able to quickly identify the suspect and vehicle involved.
Officers spoke with the man, a 20-year-old East Bridgewater resident, and determined that there was no danger and no criminal intent.
School officials in East Bridgewater and Easton were notified of the incident.
“While there are no charges being filed at this time, I want to commend the boy for recognizing an unusual situation and calling his parents right away,” Chief Allen said. “We always encourage people to report suspicious activity to us immediately.”
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