CROFTON, Md. – Police are investigating a report of suspicious activity near Crofton Elementary School after three students said a man tried to lure them into his car Monday morning.
According to Anne Arundel County Police, the incident happened between 8:00 and 8:20 a.m. on January 12, when three magnet program students from two Annapolis-area middle schools were waiting for their bus at Crofton Elementary on Duke of Kent Drive. Investigators said a man driving a gray four-door sedan pulled up and asked the students to get into his vehicle.
When they refused, the man reportedly exited the car and again told them to get in, claiming he was taking them to school. The students, unsure of who he was, ran away and later reported the encounter to school officials after arriving safely at their schools.
Officers responded around 10:30 a.m. and began investigating. The suspect left the area before police arrived, and no one was harmed. Authorities have not released a detailed description of the driver beyond the vehicle information.
Police are reminding families to review safety practices with children, including walking in groups, staying alert, refusing rides or gifts from strangers, and reporting any suspicious behavior to adults or law enforcement immediately.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Anne Arundel County Police or report tips anonymously through the Safe Schools Maryland Tip Line at 833-MD-B-SAFE, available 24 hours a day.