A Kansas City elementary school student reported that a man driving a white van offered her candy and tried to pull her into the vehicle as she walked to class Monday morning. She ran the rest of the way to Eastwood Hills Elementary, arrived safely and immediately told her principal, prompting a police investigation and a warning to families.
The reported encounter was near 51st and Sycamore. According to kshb.com, Kansas City, Missouri, police were called to the area around 8:30 a.m. Monday. The Kansas City Police Department said the incident happened at 8:34 a.m., according to FOX4 Kansas City WDAF-TV. Eastwood Hills Principal Anika Williams said the student reported that an unknown man offered her candy and tried to get her into his white van before she ran to school.
Student Report Prompted School Response
Williams said she contacted the Kansas City Police Department after the student reported the encounter. In a letter to families sent that day, Williams said, “the student ran to school and arrived safely” and reported what happened right away.
Williams said she is proud that students feel safe coming to her in situations like this and will continue working to provide a safe environment for students and staff at Eastwood Hills. She also urged families to stay aware of their surroundings and talk with their children about stranger safety.
What the District Says About School Security
Kansas City Public Schools says its security department has site-based officers who respond to calls at their assigned schools and patrol officers who respond across the district. The district’s safety and security information does not specify Eastwood Hills’ arrangements or describe the school’s arrival and dismissal procedures.
Police Seek Video and Witnesses
KCPD detectives are canvassing the area for video and possible witnesses and working to identify the vehicle and any persons of interest, KSHB reported. Detectives also planned to speak with the school, the reporting party and anyone else involved that week. Police have said the investigation remains ongoing; no arrest, charge or identified suspect has been announced.
The driver's identity, the van's license plate, and its exact make and model have not been verified, and it remains unclear whether the student was physically touched or whether anyone else witnessed the encounter. No outcome from the investigation had been reported as of Thursday.
