Suspicious motorist prompts alerts in Amherst, Tonawanda
Two neighboring school districts are on alert because of motorists offering rides to middle school students.
Both incidents occurred last Tuesday, within a couple of hours of each other, in the towns of Amherst and Tonawanda. Descriptions of the driver— a darkly tanned man with facial hair — and of the vehicle — a black sport utility vehicle with tinted windows — were almost identical.
As a result, officials from the Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda and Sweet Home school districts have notified parents. Transportation and building staffs have been directed to watch for suspicious behavior, while parents were asked to discuss safe habits with their children.
Town of Tonawanda Police Chief Anthony J. Palombo said Monday that officers were notified Friday of an incident that occurred as a Hoover Middle School student walked along Colvin Boulevard, near Sheridan Drive, just before 4 p. m. Tuesday.
“He asked her if she wanted a ride home. She responded, ‘No,’ ” Palombo said. The man persisted, adding: “It will be OK — don’t worry. I’ll get you home safely.”
Almost two hours later, about 5:45 p. m., a 13-year-old girl had a similar experience in the area of Berehaven Drive and Vine Lane in Amherst.
The girl was walking to a friend’s house when a motorist pulled up and offered her a ride. She declined and went straight to her friend’s house, but the incident wasn’t reported until the following day.
Another encounter in Amherst that occurred last Monday evening also involved a black SUV, but the descriptions of the drivers were different.
Amherst police said this morning that there haven’t been other encounters reported since. The Town of Tonawanda chief reported likewise.
Palombo advises: “If anything similar [happens], whether you think it’s directly related or not, please call us and report it.”
