Last night in Brighton Township turned tense when a man posing as a door-to-door pest-control worker allegedly tried to lure an 8-year-old girl on her bike into nearby woods with the promise of “a surprise.” The girl’s father confronted the man, who took off on a Segway-type vehicle toward Old US-23 and Alger Drive. Troopers from the Michigan State Police (MSP) Brighton Post are now searching for the suspect.
Man Posed As Pest-Control Salesman
Investigators say the man claimed to be a pest-control salesman and even flashed what appeared to be an ID badge for a pest-control company. He is described as white or possibly Hispanic and was wearing blue shorts, a black polo shirt, and a light-green baseball cap.
The suspect was last seen fleeing on a Segway-type personal-transport device. Investigators are asking residents to check any dash-cam, doorbell or trail-camera footage from the area, according to ClickOnDetroit.
How To Report Tips
Troopers and detectives are canvassing the neighborhood and talking with residents as they work to identify the suspect. Anyone with information or video is asked to contact the Michigan State Police Brighton Post at 810-227-1051, according to the Michigan State Police Brighton Post listing.
If you see suspicious activity happening in real time, authorities say to call 911 immediately.
Where Investigators Are Looking
Investigators told ClickOnDetroit the encounter happened on Rosemary Lane around 7 p.m. Wednesday. They are focusing on the Old US-23 and Alger Drive corridors, where the man on the Segway-type device was last seen leaving the area.
Authorities describe his ride only as a small personal-transport device, not a car, and are urging anyone with relevant footage to preserve it and share it with troopers.
Safety Steps For Families
Police say door-to-door impersonators often lean on uniforms, badges, or company logos to look legitimate. The Federal Trade Commission advises residents to slow things down. Check credentials, ask for written information, and independently verify a company’s identity before agreeing to any work or accepting anything at the door.
Parents are encouraged to remind children not to go into secluded areas with strangers or agree to “surprises,” no matter how friendly the offer sounds. Neighbors can help by keeping porch and trail cameras running and reporting any odd encounters to authorities.
For more guidance on spotting home-repair and door-to-door scams, see the FTC.
Troopers and detectives say the investigation is ongoing and thanked residents for staying alert. Anyone with tips, video or who may have seen the suspect is asked to call the MSP Brighton Post at 810-227-1051, per the Michigan State Police Brighton Post listing.
