[Archived] UPDATE: Police Investigate Man Approaching Children

Alexandria Police have identified the adults connected to the investigation of a man approaching children reported on January 31 and February 7. Through investigation, detectives were able to establish that these incidents involved two different men. Both men have been identified. It has been determined that neither of them committed a criminal act, and both had legitimate reasons to be in the area.

Police were able to quickly identify and locate the men involved due to swift response and tips from residents concerning these incidents. Police encourage parents to use these occurrences as learning opportunities. Please continue to remind your children to never walk away with a stranger, or get into a car of someone they do not know. Children should tell their parent or guardian if something happens that makes them feel strange or uncomfortable.


Police Investigate Man Approaching Children

The Alexandria Police Department is investigating two recent reports of an elderly man, with an older model green Subaru wagon, approaching children. One incident occurred on January 31, and the other a week later on February 7. The first incident occurred in the 400 block of Crown View Lane while a boy was walking his dog. The second incident occurred when two boys were walking home from George Mason Elementary. In both cases, the man spoke to unaccompanied children who did not know him. No crime was committed, and the man did not try to get the children to get in his car, or go anywhere with him. He spoke with the children and then left the area.

The man in question was a white male, approximately 60-70 years old, with gray hair. He drove an older model green Subaru wagon. The man has not committed a crime but police would like to speak with him.

The children in these incidents did the right thing. They told their parents that something happened that made them feel strange. Remind your children to never walk away with a stranger or get into a car of someone they do not know.

The Criminal Investigations Section is continuing to investigate these cases and anyone with any information related to these incidents may call or email Detective Ryan Clinch at 703.746.6673 or ryan.clinch@alexandriava.gov.