OTTAWA — Ottawa police say that two incidents in which strangers approached elementary-aged students aren’t related. Wednesday, the school district issued an alert to parents after a stranger reportedly tried to abduct a student near Lincoln Elementary School Tuesday afternoon. The student was not injured nor was there an attempt to remove the child, Ottawa police Capt. Adam Weingartner said.This morning, a stranger approached a child near Garfield Elementary School, he said. A parent saw the incident and gave the man’s tag number to police, he said. Weingartner said police located the man and interviewed him. The two incidents aren’t related, he said. Police are continuing to look for the man in the first incident. He is described as 6-feet tall, white, bald with a beard, and tattoos on both forearms. Since the first report, police have made extra patrols around the schools, he said. The elementary schools’ final day was today at noon. “The actions taken by the parent today helped come to a quick resolution,” Weingartner said. “Parents are very aware of the people around their schools every day; we are fortunate to have great community partners in helping keep our children safe. Continue to report suspicious activity as soon as possible; this gives police the best chance to determine if it is a crime or suspicious incident.” Ottawa school Supt. Jeannie Stroh said parents should remain vigilant. “We ask that you talk with your kids about safety and provide extra supervision until this is resolved,” she said. Teachers talked to kids this morning before they left school at noon for today’s early dismissal, she said. Ottawa police ask anyone with information to call them or Franklin County Crime Stoppers.
Thursday, May 14, 10 a.m.; updated 1 p.m.
