CONTACT #1: Deputy Cocha Heyden, Public Information Officer, 303-660-7586, pgr 303-826-7822
CONTACT #2:
RELEASE DATE: 11/10/08 RELEASE TIME: 12:50 pm CASE NUMBER: 0810850
WHAT: Highlands Ranch Teen Approached by White Male in White Van
NARRATIVE: DOUGLAS COUNTY: On 11/07/08 at around 5:30 pm, deputies took a report of a suspicious incident that occurred where a 14 year old male was approached by a white male driving a white van.
The report states that around 5:00 pm the 14 year old was traveling on Wilcat Reserve Parkway heading to Strathfield Ln. While he was walking he saw a white van drive up to him. The driver was described as a white male with a cropped hair cut. The white male asked the teen if he needed a ride since he knew his mom. The teen quickly stated that he did not have a mom and then reported that the van turned around and sped off. He described the van as a white utility van with no markings and that the license plated had been taped over with paper. The teen was never physically touched and no attempt was ever made to pull him into the van. He then reported the incident to a friend who called the Sheriff’s Office.
Since this incident occurred, numerous emails have been circulating throughout the county in reference to this incident and the possibility that it is connected to other incidents of adults and children being approached.
Some of these emails have contained information that is not accurate and unfortunately can cause unnecessary hysteria. We take these reports very serious and want citizens to know that the safety of the community is the main goal of the Sheriff’s Office. We also encourage citizens to share information that they have learned whether it be about an incident like this or a crime that has occurred in their neighborhood, but we also would like information to be verified before a mass email is sent out.
Detectives and the Sheriff’s Office Crime Analyst are looking into this incident to try and determine if it is connected to any other incident that has been reported. They are also looking into other incidents in other jurisdictions for any similarities.
Sheriff David Weaver would like to remind citizens that it is extremely important to report these types of incidents immediately. While this incident was reported right away, we have received numerous calls and emails from citizens that reference ‘suspicious’ vehicles that have been seen in their neighborhood, some up to a few months ago. If a citizen sees something that is suspicious, whether it is a vehicle, situation or person, please report it right away. Please try to get as much identifiable information about the driver, vehicle and
direction of travel, as can be done safely. If the incident seems life threatening please dial 911, if not please call the non emergent line at 303-660-7500.
