Police Increasing Patrols After Several Boys Approached By Stranger In Troy

TROY (WWJ) - Troy police are boosting patrols around schools after a man approached boys walking home from school. Officer Janice Pokely says in two separate incidents a man--fitting the same description-- pulled up to the boys, asked them if they wanted a ride and left after they declined.

Pokely says that there is a similarity in the description given: "In his fifties, balding, wearing glasses, mustache and a goatee. As far as vehicle - a tan, four-door Chevy or GMC type vehicle or a blue Malibu."

The first incident on Tuesday, Sept. 8 involved a 14-year old boy in the area of Wattles and John R, and the second incident on Friday Sept. 11, a man approached two 12-year-old boys near John R. and Rochester Road.

"Our concern is that if this man continues this, and we certainly don't want the safety of children walking home after school or to and from parks and schools -- that anything happens to them," said Pokely.

Police are in the process of obtaining sketches of the suspects. Anyone with information to help identify the suspect or suspects is asked to call the Troy Police Department's anonymous tip line at (248) 524-0777.