Parents are on high alert in Bethany after an unsettling encounter on Thursday afternoon near a local school complex when a child was approached by an unknown male. According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, the incident took place at around 5:20 p.m. by Jacob Wismer Elementary and Stoller Middle School.

The boy, who was not a student of the Beaverton School District, was walking home after spending time with friends when he was accosted by the suspect, posing as a friend of his mother. The suspect claimed he was there to pick him up, near the school's bus lanes. The quick-thinking kid did not recognize the man and ran to safety at his home.

Law enforcement is combing through surveillance footage with help from Beaverton School District Public Safety officers in hopes of identifying the suspect, who the child described as an elderly male, approximately in his 70s, with a white beard and sporting large Pit Viper-style sunglasses. He was also noted to be wearing a T-shirt and a hat adorned with the American flag, while possibly driving a silver Mercedes SUV.

Authorities implore anyone with information about the suspect or the event to come forward, urging the community's vigilance. Community members can report tips to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office at 503-629-0111.

The alarming incident has prompted a set of safety recommendations for students, including staying alert, limiting headphone use to remain cognizant of one's surroundings, walking in groups for added safety, regular check-ins with close ones about travel plans, and immediate reporting of any suspect behavior to an adult or school authority. The focus on these safety measures aims to ensure that the community's children are protected and that parents can breathe a bit easier. The Beaverton School District together with the Washington County Sheriff's Office, expressed their dedication towards the security of all students and locals.