According to Seattle Public Schools, on Tuesday morning, Jan. 27, a man tried to pull a female Whitman Middle School student into his car.

SPS issued a widespread email to parents with the details of the incident and information on how to respond to situations involving strangers.

The message stated that a man in a silver four-door sedan parked less than two blocks from the school tried to pull the student into his car. He whistled to the student and grabbed her arm. The man was not wearing pants. The student managed to get away from the man, and she ran to school to report the incident. School staff called the police and the crime is being investigated by SPD. SPS described the man as a “mixed-race” male.

“Our student did everything right, immediately getting away from the stranger and reporting the incident to the school, to the police and to her family,” wrote SPS.

SPS recommended safety tips for students to follow:
• Walk in pairs or groups and being aware of their surroundings at all times
• Do not talk to strangers or get into their vehicles
• Report anything suspicious to a trusted adult (school staff or family member)

“It can be difficult to have these conversations, especially with younger children. We encourage you to be sensitive to your child.”

More tips and information can be found on the SPD website: http://www.seattle.gov/police/prevention/child/default.htm