Police warn of ‘stranger danger’ near Gaiser Middle School

Law enforcement and school officials are warning of possible “stranger danger” near Gaiser Middle School.

Three students reported being spoken to by a suspicious man in a pickup truck in the 2200 block of Northeast 94th Street, a few blocks from the school, about 8:20 a.m. Thursday, according to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.

The man spoke to a female Gaiser student, but the girl pulled out her cellphone, acted as if she was making a call and kept walking, the sheriff’s office said.

A moment later, police said the same man then spoke to a male student, asking him if he wanted candy. The boy began texting and kept walking. Another boy walking behind the first boy also saw the man in the pickup and kept walking.

“They did the exact right thing: ignored the suspect adult who was trying to get their attention,” said Sgt. Fred Neiman. He added that while pretending to call someone is a good thing to do, “Don’t be afraid to make a call to 911 if you feel threatened as you’re walking to school.”

The suspicious man is described as white, heavy-set, 30 to 50 years old, and with gray hair and a short beard. He was reportedly wearing a blue or tan shirt and smoking a cigarette. His truck was described as white, possibly with gold trim at the bottom, and having a Washington license plate.

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to call Deputy Jeremy Brown at 360-397-6008 ext. 5461.