A summer evening at Clark Lake Beach and Boat Club in Columbia Charter Township turned tense last Saturday when a man and a woman allegedly tried to lure a child into their vehicle, according to police. The child refused to go, was not hurt, and the pair drove off before officers arrived. Columbia Charter Township police opened an investigation, later identifying and interviewing two people connected to the case, and are asking the public to report any tips that could help track down the suspects or the vehicle.
What officers say
Officers were called to the boat club at about 7 p.m. last Saturday after witnesses reported that a white minivan, possibly a Chrysler, pulled up and a middle-aged white man and white woman tried to coax a child inside, according to WILX. Witnesses told police the man was slender with dark hair and wore a green shirt, while the woman was described as slender with long blonde hair. The van was reported to have Texas license plates.
Investigation and next steps
Police say the child was unharmed and that investigators have identified and interviewed two people in connection with the incident, though no arrests have been announced, per MLive. The department has said the case will be sent to the Jackson County prosecutor’s office for review, and detectives are continuing to follow up on leads.
How the public can help
Anyone with information about the pair or the van is asked to contact the Columbia Charter Township Police Department at 517-592-3122 or use the township’s online tip resources, according to the department’s website (Columbia Charter Township Police Department). Police also urge anyone who sees suspicious activity to call 911 right away so officers can respond quickly and preserve any potential evidence.
Summer safety reminder
Officials say incidents like this are rare at local lakes, but they are using the scare as a reminder to keep children within sight, agree on a meeting spot, and take note of license plate numbers when strangers approach. Columbia Charter Township police say community tips have played a key role in past cases and are urging residents to stay alert while enjoying area beaches and boat clubs.
