On Wednesday, January 28, at 5:20 p.m., a woman called 9-1-1 to report a troubling encounter with a male who tried to talk her into his vehicle near 24th and Patterson, then got mad when she refused.
She reported the male, was pulling out of a day care parking lot in the area, when he stopped and approached the caller and asked if he could give her a ride. She didn’t know him and refused. She reported that he then started yelling at her.
The man is described as a black male, in his late 20s to early 30s, 6-feet tall, with a thin build and shaved head. The vehicle description is a dark green sedan.
GENERAL PERSONAL SAFETY TIPS
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times
• Do not get into someone’s car even if they display a weapon. It is better to fight back in the street where help is closer at hand and other people may hear your calls for help.
• Walk confidently and don’t avoid eye contact
• Don’t let strangers into your ‘space.’ Keep plenty of distance between yourself and people you don’t wish to approach you.
• Don’t stop to talk with strangers asking for directions or other types of help as this can be a ploy to get close for an attack.
• If you feel you are in danger or being followed, call 9-1-1
• If grabbed, fight back and make as much noise as possible.
• Use the buddy system when walking after dark. You should know the person you are walking with well enough to trust them.
• Walk in lighted areas as much as possible and don’t walk too close to bushes, alleyways or other places where attackers can conceal themselves