LAPS NEWS RELEASE

Los Alamos Public Schools has been notified by the Los Alamos Police Department of a recent incident where a child was approached by a stranger and asked to enter the car. The incident did not occur on school property.

An unknown male approached a child in the area of Chamisa Elementary School and told the child, “Hey kid, your mom is sick. Get in the car with me.” The child told the male suspect “no” and kept walking. There were also three other individuals in the vehicle at this time. No other attempts were made to abduct the child.

The male is described as a white male, approximately 5’-6” average build, dirty blonde hair, wearing jean shorts, and approximately 16 years old. The vehicle is described as a black 4-door passenger car, tinted windows, newer, with no noticeable modifications or damage.

This is currently an active investigation. LAPD School Resource Officers will be visiting the schools to remind students to be aware of their surroundings, and to be aware of ”Stranger Danger.”  Students are reminded to never get into a vehicle with an individual they do not know. Parents are asked to remain vigilant and remind children how to be safe when walking around the community. 

Basic Stranger Danger rules include:

• never go anywhere with a stranger
• never accept gifts or sweets from a stranger
• never get in a car with a stranger
• never go off on your own without telling your parents or a trusted adult
• tell your child it is okay to break the rules if they are in danger
• encourage your child to YELL, KICK, SCREAM, LIE or RUN AWAY, if they feel they are in danger
• give your child a code word or sign that only you and your child (and another parent/guardian) know. They can use it when they feel they are in danger but don’t want other people to know
• tell your child to stay with their friends and not to go, as an example, to the park on their own.
• If you are not picking up your child from school, please let your student and the school know how the student is getting home.

LAPS is working closely with LAPD in this investigation and continues to diligently implement procedures to maintain the safety of all students. There is increased police presence at all of our schools. Please report any suspicious activity promptly. If you have security cameras around your house, please ensure your systems are charged and functioning properly in case LAPD needs any video footage. Please alert your neighbors to be on watch with you to keep our children safe.

Anyone who has information is asked to contact the LAPS at (505) 662-8222.