Luring attempts reported to police

City of Walla Walla Police Department:

PRESS RELEASE: May 15, 2009

LURING INCIDENTS REPORTED - Walla Walla Police Department releases information on luring incidents

May 10, 2009 Incident: On Mother's day, 05-10-09 between 5:00pm and 6:00pm a six (6) year old male was at the Eastgate Lyon's Park with an adult family member. The boy was several yards away from his guardian when the boy was approached by a man near a white car.

The guardian did not know this man so she yelled to the boy. At this the man entered the white car then left the area. The boy told reports that the man said he had presents in the car and if the boy got into the car he could have the presents. The car is described as a white 4 door sedan, "boxy features" and had some type of manufacture emblem affixed on the back of the car.

The male subject is described as 5-08 to 5-10, and medium build, possibly in his 50's. His hair was "shorter" and may have had eye glasses, no facial hair. He was wearing a white shirt. A female was observed seated in the back seat of this car until the male entered the car at which point she moved into the front seat then the car left the area. This incident occurred on Mother's day, however was unreported until 05-15-09.

May 13, 2009 Incident: On 05-13-09 between 3:00pm and 4:30pm a 9 year old male was in the area of Sharpstein School , walking to the YMCA-also in this neighborhood. The boy reports that a white male, one of four people in a white car, offered the boy ice cream. The boy declined and continued walking.

The male subject is described as a white male wearing a blue shirt, eating ice cream. This 9yoa boy guessed the male was 20-30yoa. There were three other un-described people in the white car. The car is described as a small white car with a black bumper.

Anyone with information which could be helpful to this investigation are encouraged to contact the Walla Walla Police Department at 509-527-1960 anytime or 509-527-4434 during business hours.

A Press Release was issued regarding the two prior incidents. As a result WWPD received two other reports describing similar events:

May 16, 2009 Incident: On 05-16-09 two juvenile males (8yoa) were playing in the area of Merril road when an adult male driving a white car pulled up next to the boys and asked if they wanted a ball. The adult male then tossed a ball to each boy.

Prepared by WWPD Det. Sgt. Matt Wood 509-524-4356