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PD: Man tried to abduct young girl from Norwood bus stop

NORWOOD, Mass. — Norwood police are investigating a possible attempted abduction from a school bus stop.

Police say at 8 a.m. Friday, a young student said a car drove up to her and started talking to her. The man allegedly told the girl that her father was in a car accident and that her mother called him asking to bring the girl to the hospital.

"He made a comment that 'your dad was in an accident and your mom asked me to pick you up and take you to the hospital,'" said Deputy Police Chief Peter Kelly. "At that point, she ran off, she knew something wasn't right."

The girl realized his story didn't sound right and she ran to a nearby friend's house.

"She was sharp, she was educated, she did the right thing," said Chief Kelly. "If anything was nefarious, she prevented it, we're glad that was the outcome."

The suspect vehicle is described as a white or silver SUV. The driver was a male - described as tan with a close cropped beard, possibly in his 30s.

Norwood police and Norwood Public Schools are investigating. The school has sent calls out to all parents informing of the incident and asking them to speak with their children regarding safety:

"Good morning,
 
This is Dr. Thomson Superintendent of Schools calling to notify you of a possible abduction attempt.  This morning we were notified that a male driver in an SUV had approached an elementary school child telling her that her mother wanted him to pick her up.  The child is currently safe.  She ran away from the vehicle and returned to a friend of the family's house.
 
We are working closely with the Norwood Police department to investigate this event.  I would ask that we all work together to be vigilant and discuss with our children that they should never approach a vehicle, to run away if they are threatened and yell, as well as report any suspicious activity to a trusted adult and the police immediately.  I would also recommend that you discuss with your child how you would notify them of a change in pick up procedures as well as who would possibly pick them up.  We are glad that this child followed the previously discussed protocols.  We will be reminding students of these protocols today before dismissal.  Thank you for your attention and efforts to keep our most precious resource our children safe."

Dr. David L. Thomson, Ed.D.
Superintendent

As police search for the suspect, school officials are encouraging parents to speak to their children about the dangers of being approached by strangers and how to handle it.

"It's just horrible, you can't trust nobody," said David Morse, a Norwood resident. "I hope they get him, there's predators everywhere."

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