A child is safe after a reported attempted abduction in west Columbia on Tuesday, March 20.
At 7:36 a.m. on Wednesday, March 21, Columbia Police officers were notified of a past suspicious vehicle in the area of Chapel Hill Road and Handley Place. The preliminary investigation revealed at approximately 4:20 p.m. on March 20, an 11-year-old male juvenile was walking home from Fairview Elementary School located at 909 Fairview Road. The juvenile observed a vehicle pass him by multiple times before the vehicle came to a stop near the intersection of Chapel Hill Road and Handley Place. As the juvenile approached the intersection, the driver opened the passenger door and instructed the juvenile to get in. The juvenile ran from the vehicle and safely returned home.
The vehicle is described as a sandy gold/brown, extended cab pick-up truck with a camper shell and tinted windows. The driver is described as a middle-aged white male with a white mustache and beard. He was last seen wearing a dark colored baseball cap and a dark colored shirt.
Citizens are encouraged to remind children to remain vigilant and be aware of their surroundings when walking or biking home. If possible, remain with a friend and notify an adult immediately should they see any suspicious vehicles or people.
2018-003023