On Wednesday May 18 at approximately 8:00 am, Park Middle School in Antioch was notified of a suspicious activity by a student while walking to school.
According to Principal John Jimmo, a student reported that as she was walking to school when a man in a car attempted to engage her in a conversation. She reported that he first tried to get her attention as she was crossing the street. He then pulled over near the curb as she was walking and stated, “Can I get your number,” and “Can you get in the car.”
The student continued to walk away and crossed the street and he drove away.
According to Kristi Marie, the students parent, she wanted to alert the public because the District was not. She says she felt it was her duty to let the community know what had happened.
“Luckily, my daughter listened to me over the years when I discussed “stranger danger” and didn’t get into the car and reported it to school faculty as soon as she reached campus,” said Marie. “When my daughter ignored him he pulled his vehicle over got in the passenger seat, opened the passenger door and told her to get inside.”
According to Principal Jimmo, he says he reported the incident to the District as a “suspicious activity” and called Antioch Police while also having teachers review “stranger danger” in every class while notifying the surrounding schools to be on lookout.
“In retrospect and in moving forward, I will reconsider notifying parents and, when unsure, will call the District for guidance,” says Jimmo.
According to interim superintendent Stephanie Anello. the vehicle was a grey (light silver) car, possibly a Honda and 2-door. The suspect is a Latino male in his 20’s with dark hair with acne scares on his face.
