Stranger approaches student near bus stop

By Cindy Heflin Associate news director

Posted on Wed, Feb 29, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.

Michigan State Police are trying to identify a man in a white van who approached a Chelsea High School student Tuesday afternoon and offered her a ride.

The incident occurred near a bus stop at Reiman and Notten roads near the Washtenaw-Jackson County line, said Trooper Pat Gallagher. The student was walking along Reiman Road to her home when the man drove up near her and offered her a ride. The girl refused and continued walking to her house.

The driver continued on down the road, eventually turning around and leaving the area, Gallagher said.

Police and school officials have received several calls from parents concerned about the incident, Gallagher said. He’s also received a few tips from people who think they may have seen the van in the area.

Gallagher said it’s unclear whether a crime was committed, but he does hope to identify the man and speak to the prosecutor’s office about possible charges.

The van was described as a white Ford Econoline Van with tinted rear windows and a broken rear taillight. Bus drivers will be advised to watch for the vehicle, the school district wrote in an email to parents about the incident.

The driver of the van was a white man in his mid-20s with acne or red marks on his face, Gallagher said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the Brighton post of the Michigan State Police at 810-227-1051.

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