Toledo Police boost patrols after stranger danger incident - 13abc.com Toledo (OH) News, Weather and Sports

Toledo Police are still on high alert after getting yet another report of a stranger trying to lure a child into a car. It happened Monday near Airport and Fearing shortly after school let out.

13abc's Zac Pitts spoke with parents and law enforcement, who say students everywhere should be extra cautious around strangers.

The news of a recent case of stranger danger was making the rounds during the morning rush of traffic outside Bowsher High School.

Some parents tell us they believe the area has gotten too dangerous to allow students to walk to school.

Police say a 14-year-old girl was walking home Monday afternoon when she noticed a car following her. The driver eventually stopped and asked her if she needed a ride.

Officials say the student did the right thing by running away and calling police.

"We were able to take some measures in the neighborhood and also alert the school," says Sergeant Joe Heffernan. "We were able to get the calling out to the neighborhood, which was very effective and put out extra patrols."

Sgt. Heffernan says it's important for parents to talk to their kids about the potential dangers of getting into a vehicle with someone they don't know.

He says, if students are ever faced with someone trying to force them into a vehicle, they should do anything to call attention to themselves, running, screaming or even biting.

"Someone gets bit in the arm, there's an involuntary reaction to loosen their grip," says Sgt. Heffernan. "It also leaves a permanent mark, an identifiable mark on the person, so that we can later track them down. If we see a bite mark on someone's arm, we say ok that matches up."

Officials say they plan to have additional patrols in the area until they feel there's no longer a threat to students.

If you see something unusual, you can call the Crime Stoppers tip line at 419-255-1111.