Published: July 02, 2008 09:28 pm         

Police continue search for suspect after attempted abduction

HARMONY — Police still are looking for a man suspected of attempting to abduct a Clay County child Tuesday, and authorities caution parents to educate their children about strangers.

According to a media release issued by the Clay County Sheriff’s Department, a 4-year-old girl playing outside her home in Harmony was approached by a man driving a white Ford Explorer about 2:55 p.m. Tuesday.

According to witnesses at the scene, the man asked the little girl where “her mommy was,” and offered to give her a ride.

An adult inside the house overheard voices outside and approached the door, at which point the man drove away, the release stated.

Clay County Sheriff Mike Heaton said the issue is an important one for parents to consider.

“We’re still looking around for the guy,” he said, noting there have been no additional reports of similar suspicious vehicles or activity since Tuesday, and no tips on the suspect.

The suspect is described as a male between age 20 and 30, of medium to dark complexion with sandy-blond hair, driving a white Ford Explorer.

“Especially during summertime when kids are playing outside, we tell parents to keep an eye on them. It only takes a split-second for life to change,” Heaton said.

Teaching children code words and instructing them not to speak with strangers should be a standard, he said, adding that he recently picked up a new educational video for young children while attending a meeting of the National Association of Sheriffs. The department will begin showing the program in area schools, he said.

Indiana State Police Sgt. Joe Watts said education is the most important aspect to child safety.

“The first thing is educate your child. Make sure they understand what a stranger is … a person they don’t know very well,” he said.

Also, instruct particularly young children not to stray off while in crowded areas like a shopping mall.

“Don’t lose sight of your child at any time,” he said. “They can disappear in a second.”

Also, by parents reporting suspicious vehicles to the police, authorities help keep tabs on such activity.

“Don’t be afraid to call law enforcement about a suspicious vehicle, even if nothing’s wrong,” Watts said, explaining that police might be looking for the driver from their involvement in something else.

Individuals with information can call the Clay County Sheriff’s Department at (812) 446-2535.

Brian Boyce can be reached at (812) 231-4253 or brian.boyce@tribstar.com.